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Shelter Springs #1
Christmas at the Shelter Inn
The perfect Christmas begins at home Natalie Shepherd grew up in Shelter Springs. But worn down by too much heartache in her life she needed a fresh start, and when her older brother Jake dies in a tragic accident, Natalie has suffered all the loss she could stand and she leaves. But when her sister calls her needing help running the family inn, Natalie has no choice but to return. Back in Shelter Springs Natalie starts to see more than the tragedy she left behind as she helps her sister prepare for Christmas. The reappearance of her brother’s friend, Griffin, Natalie’s first crush, offers a happy distraction. But Griff was the last person to see Jake alive, and he knows more about the tragedy than he’s telling. Can Natalie learn to trust him and let go of the past for the chance of her own future happiness?
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 3, 2023
1147 people are currently reading
12770 people want to read
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
311 books3,833 followersI'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.
After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.
Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.
I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.
I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.
Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.
I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 825 reviews
November 6, 2023
This should totally be a Hallmark movie!! Everything I love in a Christmas book.❤️ Review to come!! Thank you @uplitreads 🥰🥰🥰
October 19, 2023
I liked it better than her last years book! Super sweet and cozy and the perfect amount of Christmas spirit.
October 9, 2023
This was such an adorable read, from the minute I started it I was transported to Shelter Springs and I kind of never wanted to leave. Natalie is home to help her sister with her kids while she’s on bedrest and while she loves her family, she’s in town begrudgingly. Griffin was her brother’s best friend and when he tragically passed away they didn’t stay in touch. I enjoyed that while this was wholesome and sweet both Natalie and Griffin had some darkness in their pasts they had to overcome before they could find their way to each other. The senior residents of the Shelter Inn were a crack up and I loved the little community they forged together. Add inn Hazel and Nora, Natalie’s super cute nieces and this was beyond cozy and fun. If you want a feel good holiday read this is such a good choice.
December 5, 2025
****Spoiler Warning****
This was my first book by RaeAnne Thayne. I loved the cover. A beautiful house that’s sitting in a snow filled area with red bows on the lighted windows, Christmas wreaths adorning the front door and roof elevation, surrounded by snow-capped fir trees. For me, that’s the best part of the book. It looks like a lovely home instead of a former hotel that’s been converted into 24 senior citizen apartments.
So let’s just say that this book is not what I was expecting. And that’s totally on me. This Christmas story might appeal to other readers, but due to my own personal experience, it was a difficult book to finish. There are so many damaged people in this story. And the first one is the main female protagonist.
Thirty-year-old MFC Natalie Shephard returns to Shelter Springs to help her younger sister who has been put on bed rest for the remainder of her third pregnancy. Nat’s primary job will be taking care of her two pre-school nieces. Natalie abandoned Shelter Springs the minute she graduated from high school and has only occasionally returned for a few brief visits. The next six weeks will be the longest time she’s spent in Shelter Springs in many years. Natalie harbors some serious grudges in this story. The biggest one is against her father. But more on that later.
Thirty-three-year-old MMC Griffin Taylor was the best friend of Natalie’s older brother who died in a reckless snowboarding accident about twelve years earlier. After completing medical school and his residency, Griffin returns to Shelter Springs to set up his family practice. His grandmother Birdie lives in one of the apartments in the Shelter Inn. Griffin had feelings for Natalie when they were younger but never dated. When they meet after not seeing each other for many years, Griffin is smitten. There are some stolen kisses between them. Every time though, she pushes him away and reminds him she’s leaving in a few weeks. After four times dude, get a clue. She’s not worth the trouble.
Steve Shephard is Natalie’s father. This man is a piece of work. Fourteen years prior, he abandons his teenage children after his beloved wife dies of cancer two days after Christmas. He flees to Alaska to mourn and grieves by staying in a drunken state. He’s Natalie’s biggest grudge not only because he left them following their mother’s death, but he also didn’t return for his son’s funeral. He’s back now and Natalie works hard to avoid him. She’s unhappy that her sister didn’t warn her that he might visit over the holiday.
Lastly, there’s Natalie’s Aunt Liz. Her deceased mother’s sister who took care of them after their father took off to stay liquored up in Alaska. And guess what? She’s now dating Steve – Nat’s father. Once again, Natalie feels betrayed by a family member after she catches them smooching at the fundraiser marketplace. This “ick” point was not that far from the end of the book, so I slogged on to finish it.
This book is about forgiveness. So I forgive the author for depressing me with this book. Everyone handles grief differently – especially during the holiday season. I know this firsthand.
To end on a good note, it was a cleanly written book. No f-bombs or explicit smut. And the cover is beautiful!
This was my first book by RaeAnne Thayne. I loved the cover. A beautiful house that’s sitting in a snow filled area with red bows on the lighted windows, Christmas wreaths adorning the front door and roof elevation, surrounded by snow-capped fir trees. For me, that’s the best part of the book. It looks like a lovely home instead of a former hotel that’s been converted into 24 senior citizen apartments.
So let’s just say that this book is not what I was expecting. And that’s totally on me. This Christmas story might appeal to other readers, but due to my own personal experience, it was a difficult book to finish. There are so many damaged people in this story. And the first one is the main female protagonist.
Thirty-year-old MFC Natalie Shephard returns to Shelter Springs to help her younger sister who has been put on bed rest for the remainder of her third pregnancy. Nat’s primary job will be taking care of her two pre-school nieces. Natalie abandoned Shelter Springs the minute she graduated from high school and has only occasionally returned for a few brief visits. The next six weeks will be the longest time she’s spent in Shelter Springs in many years. Natalie harbors some serious grudges in this story. The biggest one is against her father. But more on that later.
Thirty-three-year-old MMC Griffin Taylor was the best friend of Natalie’s older brother who died in a reckless snowboarding accident about twelve years earlier. After completing medical school and his residency, Griffin returns to Shelter Springs to set up his family practice. His grandmother Birdie lives in one of the apartments in the Shelter Inn. Griffin had feelings for Natalie when they were younger but never dated. When they meet after not seeing each other for many years, Griffin is smitten. There are some stolen kisses between them. Every time though, she pushes him away and reminds him she’s leaving in a few weeks. After four times dude, get a clue. She’s not worth the trouble.
Steve Shephard is Natalie’s father. This man is a piece of work. Fourteen years prior, he abandons his teenage children after his beloved wife dies of cancer two days after Christmas. He flees to Alaska to mourn and grieves by staying in a drunken state. He’s Natalie’s biggest grudge not only because he left them following their mother’s death, but he also didn’t return for his son’s funeral. He’s back now and Natalie works hard to avoid him. She’s unhappy that her sister didn’t warn her that he might visit over the holiday.
Lastly, there’s Natalie’s Aunt Liz. Her deceased mother’s sister who took care of them after their father took off to stay liquored up in Alaska. And guess what? She’s now dating Steve – Nat’s father. Once again, Natalie feels betrayed by a family member after she catches them smooching at the fundraiser marketplace. This “ick” point was not that far from the end of the book, so I slogged on to finish it.
This book is about forgiveness. So I forgive the author for depressing me with this book. Everyone handles grief differently – especially during the holiday season. I know this firsthand.
To end on a good note, it was a cleanly written book. No f-bombs or explicit smut. And the cover is beautiful!
December 25, 2023
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER INN by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartfelt emotional holiday romance/women’s fiction story set in an inn turned senior apartment complex in small town Idaho during the Christmas season. This is a standalone story.
Natalie Shepherd suffered several losses during her life and it has her leaving her small hometown as soon as possible to travel the world as a freelance writer and travel blogger. She also works as a pet and house sitter for wealthy clients. She never stays in any one place too long and while she has acquaintances, she never lets anyone into her heart. When her younger sister messages her for help at home at the Shelter Inn, Natalie immediately returns. She is helping with her two young nieces while her sister is on bedrest during her pregnancy and will leave again after the birth. What she does not expect is to discover the father who left the siblings after their mother’s death is in town for Christmas and her dead brother’s best friend is back in town and working as a local family practice doctor.
Griffin Taylor always planned on returning to his hometown when he finished medical school. He is surprised when he runs into Natalie and is happy to see her, but he is also holding a secret about the day her brother died. Griffin’s grandmother lives at the Shelter Inn and so Griff and Natalie run into each other frequently as everyone gets ready for the holidays.
There is an attraction and chemistry between the two, but Natalie is used to everyone leaving her and she does not want to open her heart to the pain of loss again, so she refuses to let anyone completely in.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this story. Natalie and her sister have such a tragic back story and yet each moves forward in completely different directions. Her nieces are absolutely adorable, and I loved that all the residents at the Shelter Inn were like extra grandparents to them. I felt at times the story was predictable, and yet I was still very interested in how Ms. Thayne could bring such disparate main characters together. The romance is slow burn because both believe there is no happy ending if Natalie won’t fight her fear, open her heart, and stop always leaving. There are no sex scenes in this story. The relationship, or lack thereof between Natalie and her father is the emotional tearjerker subplot in this story. This holiday story is full of family love, growth, and forgiveness, friendship, community, laughs as well as emotional tears.
Overall, an emotional and enjoyable holiday romance/women’s fiction read to curl up with over the holidays.
CHRISTMAS AT THE SHELTER INN by RaeAnne Thayne is a heartfelt emotional holiday romance/women’s fiction story set in an inn turned senior apartment complex in small town Idaho during the Christmas season. This is a standalone story.
Natalie Shepherd suffered several losses during her life and it has her leaving her small hometown as soon as possible to travel the world as a freelance writer and travel blogger. She also works as a pet and house sitter for wealthy clients. She never stays in any one place too long and while she has acquaintances, she never lets anyone into her heart. When her younger sister messages her for help at home at the Shelter Inn, Natalie immediately returns. She is helping with her two young nieces while her sister is on bedrest during her pregnancy and will leave again after the birth. What she does not expect is to discover the father who left the siblings after their mother’s death is in town for Christmas and her dead brother’s best friend is back in town and working as a local family practice doctor.
Griffin Taylor always planned on returning to his hometown when he finished medical school. He is surprised when he runs into Natalie and is happy to see her, but he is also holding a secret about the day her brother died. Griffin’s grandmother lives at the Shelter Inn and so Griff and Natalie run into each other frequently as everyone gets ready for the holidays.
There is an attraction and chemistry between the two, but Natalie is used to everyone leaving her and she does not want to open her heart to the pain of loss again, so she refuses to let anyone completely in.
I really enjoyed getting to know all the characters in this story. Natalie and her sister have such a tragic back story and yet each moves forward in completely different directions. Her nieces are absolutely adorable, and I loved that all the residents at the Shelter Inn were like extra grandparents to them. I felt at times the story was predictable, and yet I was still very interested in how Ms. Thayne could bring such disparate main characters together. The romance is slow burn because both believe there is no happy ending if Natalie won’t fight her fear, open her heart, and stop always leaving. There are no sex scenes in this story. The relationship, or lack thereof between Natalie and her father is the emotional tearjerker subplot in this story. This holiday story is full of family love, growth, and forgiveness, friendship, community, laughs as well as emotional tears.
Overall, an emotional and enjoyable holiday romance/women’s fiction read to curl up with over the holidays.
November 15, 2023
Natalie has come back to her hometown of Shelter Springs, Idaho after her sister, McKenna, sent out an SOS when she’s ordered on bedrest having a high-risk pregnancy. McKenna needs help with her two young daughters and the Shelter Springs Inn, the Inn her parents ran. Natalie has stayed away from Shelter Springs most of her adult life since it holds memories of grief and abandonment. Her mother died when she was just sixteen and her father took off soon after, just when she needed him most leaving her in the care of an aunt.
As soon as Natalie graduated, she took on jobs all over the world as a house sitter, feeding a drive to travel after growing up at the Shelter Springs Inn, watching others enjoy their vacations staying at the inn while their family couldn’t leave. Yet now coming back she realizes all she’s been missing. Family, friends, a sense of community. Also, there’s Griffin Taylor, her best friend’s older, handsome brother who seems to be there every time she needs a helping hand. Her feelings for him grow the more time they spend together.
I related so much to Natalie, especially regarding her relationship with her father. Yes, he was grieving, but he really hurt Natalie with his abandonment. Still, I couldn’t help but feel for him, too, because he lost his wife. I loved how Natalie couldn't help but become attached to all these wonderful people, her sister, and nieces and of course, Griffin!
Christmas at the Shelter Inn was more than a romance, it was a story about healing, forgiveness, family, and community. I adored this uplifting story!
A copy was kindly provided by Canary Street Press in exchange for an honest review.
As soon as Natalie graduated, she took on jobs all over the world as a house sitter, feeding a drive to travel after growing up at the Shelter Springs Inn, watching others enjoy their vacations staying at the inn while their family couldn’t leave. Yet now coming back she realizes all she’s been missing. Family, friends, a sense of community. Also, there’s Griffin Taylor, her best friend’s older, handsome brother who seems to be there every time she needs a helping hand. Her feelings for him grow the more time they spend together.
I related so much to Natalie, especially regarding her relationship with her father. Yes, he was grieving, but he really hurt Natalie with his abandonment. Still, I couldn’t help but feel for him, too, because he lost his wife. I loved how Natalie couldn't help but become attached to all these wonderful people, her sister, and nieces and of course, Griffin!
Christmas at the Shelter Inn was more than a romance, it was a story about healing, forgiveness, family, and community. I adored this uplifting story!
A copy was kindly provided by Canary Street Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 16, 2024
2.5 stars. This was an ok read. It just left a lot of unanswered questions. I also usually ;love RaeAnne's books, this was not as good as the others.
November 7, 2023
Disclaimer: There could be what you would consider slight spoilers below. Read with your own judgement. I will never come out and blatantly spoil something however small hints may be unintentionally given.
Thank you so much to @uplitreads and @raeannethayne for #gifting me an ARC to read and review!
This book gave you the best winters holiday feels ever. Including a big snowstorm on Christmas Eve. This story follows Natalie and Griffin who were childhood friends. Natalie is a nomad traveling doing freelance all over the world. Natalie’s sister is on strict bed rest while pregnant with her third baby and has two little girls and a retirement housing complex to manage. Natalie comes back home to Shelter Inn to help her sister while she’s on bed rest. The feel god community vibes from this book were beyond. It goes into life and death and how to move on and find love again. I absolutely loved the family aspect of this book.
Thank you so much to @uplitreads and @raeannethayne for #gifting me an ARC to read and review!
This book gave you the best winters holiday feels ever. Including a big snowstorm on Christmas Eve. This story follows Natalie and Griffin who were childhood friends. Natalie is a nomad traveling doing freelance all over the world. Natalie’s sister is on strict bed rest while pregnant with her third baby and has two little girls and a retirement housing complex to manage. Natalie comes back home to Shelter Inn to help her sister while she’s on bed rest. The feel god community vibes from this book were beyond. It goes into life and death and how to move on and find love again. I absolutely loved the family aspect of this book.
October 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. The Storyline, the characters were great and of course the small town was fantastic. I loved how everyone came together. The Babies were so much fun. I will say the ending was my favorite part of the whole book. This one has Hallmark movie all over it.
November 21, 2023
Romance books should really stop being overly long; they lose the magic they could’ve had if they were compact. I started skipping at around 70% and I didn’t feel like I missed anything by the end.
- I love the cover!
- It’s very easy to read and right from page one I settled easily into the story.
- I liked Natalie and her adventures around the world.
- There were interesting conflicts beyond the romance that kept me intrigued, like the conflict with Natalie’s father, with Amanda, and so on. Even at the times when I got bored with the romance, wondering how these conflicts would be resolved kept me reading!
- There were endearing characters like Birdie and Liz.
- This book was like a contest of ‘who has the worst backstory’. The book had enough tragedies to serve three books, and some of these ended in a copout e.g Griffin’s bad marriage that ended up with his ex-wife getting back with the man she’d loved all along and sending Griffin happy pictures of her shiny new family. This was just to make Griffin not look bad. Small tip, you didn’t have to give him that long-winding, unrealistic backstory at all!
- Often, Griffin felt like an incompetent doctor. This includes the backstory of his marriage; the whole thing made him sound so naive.
- I didn’t love the MCs because they were complainers. The author wrote that Natalie loved her nieces but it was tough to believe because in her mind she was always complaining about doing stuff for them. Griffin was worse. Whatever anyone asked him to do, he’d always think ‘I’d rather do this other thing instead, but I don’t want to be called a jerk so I’ll help out’. Helping out never really came from their hearts, and I don’t think the author was aware of repeatedly doing this, but it ended up making them not lovable to me.
- Hazel was so annoying. I couldn’t stand her, but Nora was very cute.
- I was irritated with McKenna’s obsession with having a baby. Don’t get me started on that.
- some of the dialogue were unrealistic. They felt like the characters were reading scripts.
- The seniors were sweet and the town was cute.
All in all, Christmas wasn’t* really* the focus here but I did get a lot of Christmassy vibe, which I appreciate. I didn’t love it but I don’t regret reading it. See my updates for more thoughts. 3 stars ⭐️
- I love the cover!
- It’s very easy to read and right from page one I settled easily into the story.
- I liked Natalie and her adventures around the world.
- There were interesting conflicts beyond the romance that kept me intrigued, like the conflict with Natalie’s father, with Amanda, and so on. Even at the times when I got bored with the romance, wondering how these conflicts would be resolved kept me reading!
- There were endearing characters like Birdie and Liz.
- This book was like a contest of ‘who has the worst backstory’. The book had enough tragedies to serve three books, and some of these ended in a copout e.g Griffin’s bad marriage that ended up with his ex-wife getting back with the man she’d loved all along and sending Griffin happy pictures of her shiny new family. This was just to make Griffin not look bad. Small tip, you didn’t have to give him that long-winding, unrealistic backstory at all!
- Often, Griffin felt like an incompetent doctor. This includes the backstory of his marriage; the whole thing made him sound so naive.
- I didn’t love the MCs because they were complainers. The author wrote that Natalie loved her nieces but it was tough to believe because in her mind she was always complaining about doing stuff for them. Griffin was worse. Whatever anyone asked him to do, he’d always think ‘I’d rather do this other thing instead, but I don’t want to be called a jerk so I’ll help out’. Helping out never really came from their hearts, and I don’t think the author was aware of repeatedly doing this, but it ended up making them not lovable to me.
- Hazel was so annoying. I couldn’t stand her, but Nora was very cute.
- I was irritated with McKenna’s obsession with having a baby. Don’t get me started on that.
- some of the dialogue were unrealistic. They felt like the characters were reading scripts.
- The seniors were sweet and the town was cute.
All in all, Christmas wasn’t* really* the focus here but I did get a lot of Christmassy vibe, which I appreciate. I didn’t love it but I don’t regret reading it. See my updates for more thoughts. 3 stars ⭐️
November 21, 2023
I always look forward to RaeAnne Thayne's Christmas story and Christmas at Shelter Inn was another winner for me. Nat Shepherd has no desire to come home at all, let alone for Christmas, but when her sister calls to say she needs her, she puts aside those feelings and heads home to Shelter Springs. When the girls were teenagers, their mother and brother died and their father left them with their grandmother when he left town. Nat was never able to forgive him for abandoning them in their grief. Her sister, McKenna, handled her grief differently. She stayed home to run the Shelter Inn, the family business, married her childhood sweetheart and started a family. The Shelter Inn is now a residence with many seniors living there and Nat was pleased to see who some of them were. She has to battle her feelings, especially when her brother's best friend Griffin begins to come around a lot. Will she be able to forgive her father and deal with that pent up anger so she can finally be happy?
Although I could never do it, I thought Nat's life was interesting. She moved all over the world, house and pet setting for rich people. She also did freelance writing and lived a very nomadic life. I'm sure it gets lonely after awhile, and she eventually misses having roots. Even though the sisters took different paths, I liked their relationship and the one that developed between Nat and her nieces. Griffin was such a great guy. He loved his grandmother and spend a lot of time with her, meaning he was at Shelter Inn a lot. With Christmas fun, a Christmas Market and family reconciliation, this is a wonderful feel good Christmas story, with just enough Christmas magic. I enjoyed listening to this book, narrated by Vanessa Johnson. She does a good job with the story, adding expression and voice to the characters. If you are looking for a festive story with family, community, romance and reconciliation, then you should pick this book up.
Although I could never do it, I thought Nat's life was interesting. She moved all over the world, house and pet setting for rich people. She also did freelance writing and lived a very nomadic life. I'm sure it gets lonely after awhile, and she eventually misses having roots. Even though the sisters took different paths, I liked their relationship and the one that developed between Nat and her nieces. Griffin was such a great guy. He loved his grandmother and spend a lot of time with her, meaning he was at Shelter Inn a lot. With Christmas fun, a Christmas Market and family reconciliation, this is a wonderful feel good Christmas story, with just enough Christmas magic. I enjoyed listening to this book, narrated by Vanessa Johnson. She does a good job with the story, adding expression and voice to the characters. If you are looking for a festive story with family, community, romance and reconciliation, then you should pick this book up.
October 10, 2023
Quaint, spirited, and heartwarming!
Christmas at the Shelter Inn is a cosy, beguiling tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Natalie Shepard, a young woman who heads home for the first time in a long time right before Christmas in order to help out her sister, and Griffin Taylor, a hardworking doctor who is trying to do whatever he can to heal the hurts of the past and open a successful private practice in his hometown.
The prose is charming and light. The characters are thoughtful, lonely, and kind. And the plot is a delightfully enchanting tale full of life, loss, love, tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, and a touch of romance!
Overall, Christmas at the Shelter Inn is a clean, festive, uplifting treat by Thayne that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and scrumptious wintery treats.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Christmas at the Shelter Inn is a cosy, beguiling tale that takes you into the lives of two main characters. Natalie Shepard, a young woman who heads home for the first time in a long time right before Christmas in order to help out her sister, and Griffin Taylor, a hardworking doctor who is trying to do whatever he can to heal the hurts of the past and open a successful private practice in his hometown.
The prose is charming and light. The characters are thoughtful, lonely, and kind. And the plot is a delightfully enchanting tale full of life, loss, love, tender moments, friendship, family, community, self-discovery, merry preparations, and a touch of romance!
Overall, Christmas at the Shelter Inn is a clean, festive, uplifting treat by Thayne that will have you believing in the magic of Christmas and daydreaming of snowflakes, twinkling lights, decorated trees, and scrumptious wintery treats.
Thank you to Uplit Reads for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2024
A sweet reminder that sometimes coming home can bring the healing and second chances that are needed to find a path forward. I loved the characters and the setting. This was my first RaeAnne Thayne book, and I will definitely be reading more. Perfect for fans of Debbie Macomber.
December 22, 2023
Natalie Shepherd grew up at the Shelter Inn Hotel, but after her mom died and her Dad left, she took off and has made a career of writing and house sitting all over the globe. Her sister converted the hotel into a home for seniors. When a complicated pregnancy puts her sister at risk, Natalie returns home to help with the children and inn. She plans to stay until the baby is born, but fate might have other ideas, well, fate and some meddling seniors.
The story that unfolds had all the holiday charm, with a snowstorm and a budding romance to melt your heart. Add in lovely side stories, a devoted husband, meddlesome seniors and good clean holiday fun and you’ll be packing your bags for a visit to Shelter Springs.
Natalie is surprised to see Griffin Taylor, her best friend’s older brother in town. Like Natalie, he moved away, but now he’s back for good and has opened a medical practice. The two address feeling about each other and open old wounds from the past. We also get stories about Natalie’s sister, her parents, and the brother they lost. It was touching, as it allowed for healing and brought all the feels.
If you love small-town holiday romances with pups, hot cocoa and wonderful townfolk, you’ll want to curl up with Christmas at the Shelter Inn. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The story that unfolds had all the holiday charm, with a snowstorm and a budding romance to melt your heart. Add in lovely side stories, a devoted husband, meddlesome seniors and good clean holiday fun and you’ll be packing your bags for a visit to Shelter Springs.
Natalie is surprised to see Griffin Taylor, her best friend’s older brother in town. Like Natalie, he moved away, but now he’s back for good and has opened a medical practice. The two address feeling about each other and open old wounds from the past. We also get stories about Natalie’s sister, her parents, and the brother they lost. It was touching, as it allowed for healing and brought all the feels.
If you love small-town holiday romances with pups, hot cocoa and wonderful townfolk, you’ll want to curl up with Christmas at the Shelter Inn. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
December 19, 2023
The Christmas feel-good vibes are high and tucking into a comfy smalltown sweet holiday romance is responsible. Rae Anne Thayne is a superstar of holiday books, but wouldn’t you know it, I’d never dipped my toe into the waters yet. Christmas at the Shelter Inn was a fine way to acquire a taste for the author’s charming, with just the right sugar romances.
The set-up is one I enjoy. Natalie Shepherd (don’t you just how her name even as a holiday-esque connection—inn-shepherd-natal?)… anyway, our heroine has been away from her home town and kept nomading away by her own issues with abandonment, but a sister’s bedrest pregnancy causes a predicament and she has to heed the call of family need. She is there to run the retirement housing and look after her cute nieces. But, soon, she’s drawn back into reluctant feelings for her brother’s bestie.
Meanwhile, small town doctor and all around good guy Griff is eating his heart out about the return of Natalie and stressing over a long-held guilt-ridden secret. Even beyond his struggles, Natalie gives him an uphill battle toward love. But, as we all know, its holiday romance magic time and with festivities, snowy town setting, cute nieces and Griffin’s gran, and sweets, this pair don’t stand a chance. I appreciated how the author gave emotional depth to the romance with the need to deal with the past and grief and reconnect as older people and with family.
In summary, I adored Christmas at the Shelter Inn and it left me satisfied, but wishing I hadn’t waited to so long to experience the author’s books. Do yourself a Santa solid and snatch this one up with your comfy throw, a hot cocoa, and curl up in your reading nook for some holiday cheer.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 7th.
The set-up is one I enjoy. Natalie Shepherd (don’t you just how her name even as a holiday-esque connection—inn-shepherd-natal?)… anyway, our heroine has been away from her home town and kept nomading away by her own issues with abandonment, but a sister’s bedrest pregnancy causes a predicament and she has to heed the call of family need. She is there to run the retirement housing and look after her cute nieces. But, soon, she’s drawn back into reluctant feelings for her brother’s bestie.
Meanwhile, small town doctor and all around good guy Griff is eating his heart out about the return of Natalie and stressing over a long-held guilt-ridden secret. Even beyond his struggles, Natalie gives him an uphill battle toward love. But, as we all know, its holiday romance magic time and with festivities, snowy town setting, cute nieces and Griffin’s gran, and sweets, this pair don’t stand a chance. I appreciated how the author gave emotional depth to the romance with the need to deal with the past and grief and reconnect as older people and with family.
In summary, I adored Christmas at the Shelter Inn and it left me satisfied, but wishing I hadn’t waited to so long to experience the author’s books. Do yourself a Santa solid and snatch this one up with your comfy throw, a hot cocoa, and curl up in your reading nook for some holiday cheer.
I rec'd an eARC via NetGalley to read in exchange for an honest review.
My full review will post at The Reading Frenzy Dec 7th.
November 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this story about forgiveness, finding love, healing and family! Shelter Inn is a senior home and I absolutely adored it and the people in it! The sense of community and caring spirits especially with the Christmas season was perfect! Also nothing better then a best friends brothers romance!!! This gave off all the Hallmark vibes and is perfect for the season!!! Definitely pick this up!
December 6, 2025
When life gets tough, this book provides a much needed boost 🤍. With heartwarming characters, a picturesque small town, and a touch of Christmas magic 🎄, this story wraps you up like a warm blanket.
It’s a story of forgiveness, hope, second chances, family, and community... and it reminded me why holiday reads are so comforting ✨. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate ☕ and get cozy with the residents of this charming town. You’ll be glad you did.
It’s a story of forgiveness, hope, second chances, family, and community... and it reminded me why holiday reads are so comforting ✨. Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate ☕ and get cozy with the residents of this charming town. You’ll be glad you did.
February 11, 2024
A very sweet and charming book.
November 9, 2025
3.5 ⭐️ such a cute christmas romance to get into the holiday mood! all of the characters were so lovable. i can’t wait to read the sequel this holiday season, especially since it’s amanda’s story!
November 15, 2023
Honestly did not like this book at all. Felt very repetitive and childish most of the time. I feel like nothing happened until the last 10% of the book and nothing happened to develop their relationship throughout the book.
December 2, 2023
side eye to the character that ends up w her deceased sister’s husband 🤨…
December 12, 2023
I was so bored I had to force myself to finish because I’m not a quitter.
December 17, 2023
DNF. Just not felling it this year. Maybe next year.
December 21, 2023
I don’t think I truly understood the meaning of “terrible writing” until I read this book 😔
February 7, 2024
Only finished this because Auntie sue said I wouldn’t and I refuse to lose a bet. But yeah was really boring, and not a lot of excitement. Romance was just meh.
December 3, 2025
Charming Christmas story!
January 29, 2025
This was a light, entertaining seasonal romance and family drama. Fairly predictable, with a neatly tied ending. But isn't that the point with these? No complaint here. :)
April 20, 2024
I love Thayne's Christmas books but I haven't read one for a while. I am happy to return to it and find it as charming as the previous ones. It's a similar trope, of course, one of the main characters return to their hometown, not planning to stay, but find out that they miss their root after all.
This time is Natalie Shepherd - she cannot wait to leave Shelter Spring after tragedy hits home. Natalie has been a nomad for years, traveling all over. Then her sister asks for help because of difficult pregnancy so Natalie returns. Then she reacquaints with Griffin Taylor, her late brother's best friend, whom Natalie had been having crush when she was younger...
As always, Thayne also brings complexities to her characters. Natalie, having commitment issue after the death of her mother and her father left the family. Griffin, suffering from . I love how they connect. I also adore the rest of the secondary characters... the grandmother, the sister, the kids. They are all wonderful.
I'm having a bit difficulty of Natalie quickly changing her stance of hurt, especially dealing with her father though. I know that it's also a story of forgiveness and letting go, but I felt it came a little too fast in the end.
However, in overall, this is another beautiful Christmas story from Thayne.
This time is Natalie Shepherd - she cannot wait to leave Shelter Spring after tragedy hits home. Natalie has been a nomad for years, traveling all over. Then her sister asks for help because of difficult pregnancy so Natalie returns. Then she reacquaints with Griffin Taylor, her late brother's best friend, whom Natalie had been having crush when she was younger...
As always, Thayne also brings complexities to her characters. Natalie, having commitment issue after the death of her mother and her father left the family. Griffin, suffering from . I love how they connect. I also adore the rest of the secondary characters... the grandmother, the sister, the kids. They are all wonderful.
I'm having a bit difficulty of Natalie quickly changing her stance of hurt, especially dealing with her father though. I know that it's also a story of forgiveness and letting go, but I felt it came a little too fast in the end.
However, in overall, this is another beautiful Christmas story from Thayne.
November 10, 2023
I ended up not finishing this book. I expected a light hearted Christmas read and it had a few moments however the storyline itself is just to heavy. I made it pass the halfway before calling it quits.
September 26, 2023
What an amazing heartwarming story that will melt your heart. I loved every minute and hated to see it end.
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