A Very Coral Christmas

by Jan Moran

This season, discover holiday surprises in Summer Beach! Catch up with the beloved residents of Summer Beach in a heartwarming holiday novella of fun, sun, and seasonal shenanigans. As the winter chill sets in, escape to the enchanting shores of Summer Beach, where the spirit of Christmas is as bright and warm as the sun-soaked sands.

The tight-knit community of Summer Beach comes together to celebrate. From festive beach bonfires to a seaside Christmas market, the holiday season is in full swing. But it's not just the decorations and events that make this Christmas special—it's the rekindled romances, unexpected friendships, and the joy of being with loved ones that truly capture the magic of the holidays.

Follow Summer Beach families as they navigate holiday mishaps, unearth surprises, and discover the true meaning of Christmas in a place where the waves kiss the shore and the air is filled with laughter and love.

A Very Coral Christmas is your ticket to a delightful holiday escape. A holiday novella coming soon in ebook, paperback, and audiobook. May be read as a standalone, but it is better as part of Coral Cottage series.

Genres: Christmas, Fiction, Audiobook

116 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 17, 2024

About the author

Hi there, and welcome! If you like fun beach reads or romantic sagas that whisk you off to places like sunny beaches or Italy, Paris, and Napa Valley, then come on in. I write clean and wholesome feel-good novels.

Never miss a sale or new release! Tap "Follow" on Goodreads. Join my Readers Club and get a free read to download now, The Summer Beach Welcome Kit: https://www.janmoran.com/newsletter

If you like to binge read, visit my new online bookshop for special ebook, audiobook, and paperback bundles: https://store.janmoran.com/collection...

Join me in my Facebook Readers Group, too, where we celebrate good books and cheer each other on: https://www.facebook.com/groups/58425.... That's where I share sales, ARCs, and lots of fun times.

Here's where you can find all my books: https://viewauthor.at/JanMoranBooks.

So what's new? Look for the new SEABREEZE GALA, which earned a spot (thanks to readers!) on the USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists, so we've been celebrating. Besides my women's fiction beach series (Summer Beach, Coral Cottage, and Crown Island series), I also write 20th-century historical sagas with a touch of romance. THE WINEMAKERS is my latest re-launch, and HEPBURN'S NECKLACE, set against the Audrey Hepburn film, ROMAN HOLIDAY, is my latest dual timeline historical.

If you enjoy Mary Kay Andrews, Elin Hilderbrand, Brenda Novak, and Mary Alice Monroe's beach reads, then you'll want to start with SEABREEZE INN. If you like to escape to another time with Danielle Steel, Beatriz Williams, Lauren Willig, or Fiona Davis, then check out THE CHOCOLATIER, a sweet read set on the shores of Amalfi, Italy, HEPBURN'S NECKLACE iN Lake Como, Italy, or THE WINEMAKERS, which will whisk you to 1950s Napa Valley and Tuscany.

If you're an audiobook aficionado, you're in luck! Most of my books are available in audio on my store: https://store.janmoran.com/collection..., and on Audible, Apple, and Amazon, read by the super-talented Erin Bennett (Elin Hilderbrand, Debbie Macomber, etc), an award-winning narrator.

My SUNSHINE & SECOND CHANCES series (aka LOVE CALIFORNIA) is also a lot of fun. It's a linked series of six best friends that I based on some of my favorite travel destinations. Each book is a mini-vacay, starting with Paris in FLAWLESS, Spain in BEAUTY MARK, Malibu and Ireland in RUNWAY, and three more fun locales. These are also widely available on audio Audible, Apple, and Amazon, as well as Kobo, and Barnes & Noble.

Let's keep in touch! Here's how:
- Follow me on Bookbub to learn of all my sales, new releases, and preorders: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/jan-m...
- Come visit me on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/janmoranbooks to find out more.
- And...get a free read when you join my newsletter group: http://www.janmoran.com/contact-jan.

If you're a library patron and prefer to borrow from a library, simply ask your local library to order copies for you and other patrons. Library ebooks are also available through Libby, Overdrive, and CloudLibrary, so your librarian can purchase ebooks through these services to make them accessible to you. Just ask; many of my books are there.

My books have also been translated into German, Polish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Turkish, Russian, Lithuanian, and other languages. Most titles are also available in audiobook and large print formats.

Thank you all for your support on this amazing writing journey. I love to hear from readers--that's how your beloved Seabreeze Inn has kept growing new books. And thank you for sharing my books with your friends. If you have book club meetings and would like to connect with me by Zoom, please reach out through my website at https://www.janmoran.com/contact.

Happy reading!

Reviews

[Cath · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book seven of the Summer Beach: Coral Cottage series and sees all of our favourites characters getting together for Christmas, enjoying time together and exploring all of their favourite places in Summer Beach. Events are centred on Ginger and Oliver’s blossoming relationship, with decisions to be made as to where they might live if their relationship continues being a serious one. Oliver’s remaining relatives live in another city, but Ginger has all of her family in Summer Beach and would miss the memories made there. Marina and Jack are a little worried when Ginger starts clearing her cottage and giving things away to family and charity. The only one that won’t be home of the holidays is Marina’s son Ethan, who is away playing pro golf. When a young woman turns up at the Seabreeze Inn looking for a room, after her car broke down as she was on her way to an arts and crafts show in Los Angeles, it seems that fate has stepped in, and Ginger offers her a room at her cottage, shocking Marina and others. Her name is Holly Berry and she had someone she was hoping to meet in LA, whilst she sold her hand painted Christmas ornaments and snow globes. Her items even include detailed images of buildings in Summer Beach, even though she swears she has never been here, mostly painting from memory. Axe and Kai are busy with their baby, so aren’t putting on a show at the amphitheatre, but some friends leased it to put on a Christmas choral extravaganza, where a few surprise performers will make the ladies day. A surprise engagement, a long-lost family member and all the joy and celebrating of the holidays with family and friends, all in one short read. Loe and laughter surround them all as they come together and make new and old connections shine. Another great read with characters you love and want to see even more of, as their stories expand.

I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout, and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.

[Deb F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to be like Ginger Delavie when I grow up!!

Jan Moran has written another exceptionally excellent story!! A Very Coral Christmas is a cozy book filled with intrigue, mouth watering food, humor, secrets, old friends, new friends and love!
Ginger and her beau Oliver take their relationship to a new level. Oliver's lease on the home he is renting is up soon and he needs to decide if he wants to stay in Summer Beach or move back east to be closer to his nephew who is like his son. Oliver and Jack have become close friends, in fact all of Ginger grandkids and their families just love Oliver. Marina knows that Ginger is keeping a secret from the sisters but when asked, Ginger evades answering. While visiting Seabreeze Inn, Ginger and Marina visit with Ivy, Shelly and Poppy but are interrupted by someone searching for a room. Poppy had to tell her that they were booked up and suggested another Inn in town but it seems like another time in history, again there was no room in the Inn. Ginger was watching the young lady looking for a room and noticed her glowing artsy countenance and introduced herself. The young lady's name was
Holly Berry (great name!) and yes she was born on Christmas day. Ginger with her great intuition offered Holly a room at her home. So even though Marina had reservations about letting a young person who she didn't know stay with her grandmother. Marina knew Ginger almost always got her way.
There is so much to tell but I will leave it for you to find all the mysterious happenings at the Coral Cottage. Also if you are interested in delicious new foods & recipes, Marina owns an upscale restaurant next to Coral Cottage. The explanation of all the scrumptious
Items on her menu and the Christmas food they talk about leaves your mouth watering and wanting to try the recipe at the end of each book. This one is Pumpkin Cheesecake and it sounds delicious!! I know it will be on my Christmas menu.
You really must read this book, all the characters have such interesting and wonderful characteristics, they all sound like someone I would love having in my life. The ending is most perfect, it makes you want to read more & more, about all the wonderful people who call Coral Cottage home!!

[SOS · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want to read a book where the characters celebrate Christmas as it should be celebrated, then this is the book for you. I fell in love with the characters in this book long ago, but this book just amped up the level of that love. This book will make you feel all the warm, toasty emotions you want at this time of year, yet it still keeps a sense of humor.

This book shares everything wonderful about family, friendship, and romance. It demonstrates the best of reaching out to help strangers. There are coincidences, or perhaps paranormal interventions, or maybe it's just wonderful holiday magic, but as with everything else in this story, in this series, it’s a perfect fit. Summer Beach is truly the perfect town.

This book will fulfill everything you want a Christmas tale to offer. It will leave you smiling, sighing, and delighted with all the characters and what happens between them. It never becomes preachy, but it’s beautifully inspiring.

I highly recommend this book, and the entire series. Read this book! You’ll enjoy it.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author. I thank her for her generosity, but it had no effect on this review. All opinions in this review reflect my true and honest reactions to reading this book.

[Jean]

This is book seven in The Summer Beach Coral Cottage series and is A Christmas Novella. Welcome to Summer Beach where they all gather for some Christmas Spirit while having fun with all their loved ones, family, friends old and new, neighbours and all those people that are so important to you so eat, drink, be merry while all being together at this special time of the year, when you should be thankful and grateful for those that are around you which brings the Magic of Christmas as they celebrate. There will be old, young and new friends all added into the mix along with surprises, support, working together, laughter, healing, heartwarming moments, hope, health, new romances and love so come along for this very special Summer Beach Ride where fun, sun and sand is a must. I absolutely love this book and series so much and each book will pull you in and have you turning the pages while keeping your attention throughout and I definitely recommend you read this book and series and you will not only enjoy it but also not be disappointed and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading “A Very Coral Christmas” by Jan Moran is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket with a mug of hot cocoa—if your blanket smelled like the ocean and your cocoa came with a side of sandy toes and sunshine! This delightful novella brings all the charm, romance, and heartwarming vibes you’d expect from Summer Beach, with a festive twist that’s guaranteed to put you in the holiday spirit.

Ginger is the queen of Christmas cheer as the Coral Cottage matriarch, and I loved seeing her team up with the ever-charming Oliver for some fun seasonal shenanigans. Marina, Jack, and the whole gang are back, reminding us why we fell in love with these characters in the first place. Add in beach bonfires, a seaside Christmas market, and just the right sprinkle of holiday surprises (including a mysterious new character!), and it’s the perfect recipe for a joyful escape.

What makes this book shine is the way it captures the true meaning of Christmas—family, friendship, love, and laughter—all set against the dreamy backdrop of Summer Beach. It’s a quick read, but every page is packed with charm, warmth, and just the right amount of festive chaos.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or diving into Summer Beach for the first time, A Very Coral Christmas will leave you smiling and humming carols. Highly recommend curling up with this one to kick off your holiday season—you won’t regret it!

[Disclaimer: I received an advanced copy of this book and chose to write an honest review. Spoiler alert: I absolutely adored it!]

[Gwen Chester · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book seven in The Summer Beach Coral Cottage Series and this one is a Christmas Novella, so a very short book. In this book we catch up with the residents of Summer Beach. We have some new characters another sweet baby, Clover has arrived, a traveler whose car gave her troubles when she reached our area and our Queen of the fun Ginger has a new special someone, Oliver, The tight-knit community comes together to celebrate once again. This group is always up for a celebration. So come on over and enjoy the fun, we have some surprises in store, a few holiday mishaps. We seem to find the true meaning of Christmas in this place filled with love and laughter.

I gave this book only 4 stars and I feel as if I need to explain why I did it. The book even though it was short, seemed hurried and like Jan was not really writing this from her heart. The other books in the series got me involved and this one did not. This time I felt like an outsider looking in on the party. I do not know if Jan was just distracted, not feeling well or what but this book unlike the others in the series just did not do it for me.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is approaching and the residents of Summer Beach are getting ready to celebrate. It’s a busy time and Marina and her family are in full preparation mode. There is the annual beach bonfire, a festive holiday performance and let’s not forget the Christmas market. With two new little bundles of joy this year, things are busy. When Ginger meets a young lady whom she invites to stay with her, things get very interesting. Ginger also has a few secrets of her own that will be brought to light this holiday season. Will this Christmas be the last one they share at the Coral Cottage?

Jan Moran brings us another delightful story of family, friendship and romance in a small beach town. It was fun to catch up with the residents of summer beach and see them getting ready to celebrate the holidays. The story also brings us that little bit of a mystery that Jan is so well known for in her novels. It was everything I expected and more. The perfect holiday book to curl up with this Christmas. My sincere thanks to Jan Moran for my advanced readers copy that I voluntarily read and reviewed. Come join the residents of Summer Beach for a Christmas to remember.

[Gail Raes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of meeting Jan Moran in February 2024 while attending a book event in wine country, and I can honestly say she is as warm and wonderful as the stories she writes. I've read or listened to nearly every book by Jan—she's my go-to author for feel-good, beachy escapes.

A Very Coral Christmas continues the Coral Cottage series, weaving in familiar characters from the Summer Beach series. Every time I pick up one of Jan's books, it feels like sitting down for a visit with old friends. The characters are so relatable and welcoming—people you’d want in your own life.

I absolutely love listening to Erin Bennett narrate this series. She brings every character to life so distinctly that it's effortless to follow along. Her narration adds another layer of warmth to an already delightful story.

The ending of A Very Coral Christmas left a big smile on my face, and yet, I didn’t want the story to end. Maybe it's because I grew up on the beaches of Southern California myself, but these books always resonate deeply with me. If you're looking for a heartwarming, sun-soaked holiday escape, this one is a must-read (or listen)!

Highly recommended!

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

How better to celebrate the holidays than by taking a trip back to Summer Beach? In this novella, which is the seventh installment of the delightful Coral Cottage series, the focus is once again on family, love, surprises, and a big dose of pure seasonal joy.

I felt like I was back visiting with old friends, including Ginger the matriarch, Marina, the oldest granddaughter and owner/chef of the Coral Café (the food descriptions definitely made me hungry), her children Heather and Ethan, and her wonderful husband, Jack, granddaughters Kai and Brooke and their families (including two babies), and Ginger’s new love, Oliver. It’s also always fun when characters from the Seabreeze/Summer Beach series pop in!

The dialogue flows, the characters are true-to-life and endearing, and the setting at the beach is perfection. I so hope that there will be an eighth installment (or more…I’m greedy). Thank you to Ms. Moran for providing the opportunity to read the ARC. I happily, and voluntarily, am providing this review.

[Deena · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joyful holiday story. As this is number 7 in the series, it was fun to catch up with all the characters of Summer Beach. The family is growing and changing and they are all planning lots of Christmas celebrations. The arrival of a mysterious lady causes some concern to Marina and Ginger must make a big decision. But, in the end, the family comes together with warmth and love.

This is the perfect holiday read--full of good food, good friends and good cheer. As a novella, I felt that some of the characters were not developed as well and some of the situations were resolved a little too quickly. But, overall, it was just the book to settle into when winding down from the stress of the holiday season.

I did receive this ARC from the author, but these are my honest opinions.

[Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always fun to catch up with the characters of Summer Beach, at this point, after 7 books, it feel like you're visiting family and friends every time you read the stories that Jan Moran gives us.
This book is a short novella that reminds us what are the important things in life, community, traditions (old and new) and most importantly family. And of course celebrating together the important moments that weave the tapestry of life with the people that matter to you the most.
Can't wait to continue reading and being part of the magnificent characters that jan Moran gives us in every one of her stories.

[Megann · Rating 5 out of 5]

So we follow the family as they prepare for Christmas and we learn why it is important to each individual. We already know each one but we are introduced to other characters. Mom has found a new love in Oliver but the kids are wondering what this will mean. Will she move with him to Boston or will she stay in her house. What about other family members, lets see children are due to arrive, younger ones are growing up and everyone is happy to spend the holidays together. How much longer will they remain together before life takes them in different directions.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Paula Roy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As expected, Jan Moran has delivered another delightful installment in the Summer Beach series. It was so fun to read about the town's Christmas preparations and festivities. I also enjoyed the continuing adventures of Ginger Delavie and her extended family. My only quibble (and hence the four star rating) would be the length of the book - I wanted more! I hope that Ms. Moran will write additional books in this series as I really love the characters and setting.

(Note: I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it; all opinions are my own.)

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great story! Perfect for the Christmas season. All of Ginger's family is in Summer Beach including Oliver, her new boyfriend. A new character is introduced in this book who brings a bit of mystery to the town. The town is getting ready for Christmas and the special events that are happening. The cafe is busy getting all of the events catered plus the cafe itself.
This is the perfect read to just sit and relax for a few minutes during this busy season.
I have a advanced copy and this is my honest opinion

[Judyr · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was just what I wanted to read during the ramp up to Christmas. The Characters that we met in previous books were included of course along with new people and characters that we haven’t heard from in a while. It reminded me of Christmas as a child with all the Aunts and Uncles and cousins. Just the thing to read. Not too long because, who has time right now. But long enough to set the mood.
Disclosure: A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Summer Beach Christmas celebration

A Very Coral Christmas is the seventh book in the Summer Beach: Coral Cottage series. I loved this Christmas story with characters from the previous books getting updates and more. This is a quick read but very satisfying. As you expect from this author and the residents of Summer Beach...there is family, friends, love, romance, a bit of holiday magic and a few new people added in just to make it more entertaining.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Coral Christmas is a heartwarming addition to the Summer Beach: Coral Cottage series. I loved catching up with all of the characters from the series. This is a well-written story about family, friends, and fun holiday traditions. Although this book is a standalone in the series, I recommend you read the whole series. You, too, will fall in love with all of the characters from Summer Beach, just like I did. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Marcie Pomper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another amazing story in this series. I love this family, and always look forward to their continuing lives with each new book. Since this story takes place during the Christmas holidays, it made their story that much better as you see how much love they have for each other as they celebrate different events that take place - a bonfire, a Christmas market place, a Christmas concert. Hoping that their story will continue in another story. Short read, but really loved it.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful Christmas read. All the joy of the season shines through the family at the Coral Cottage. I loved the touch of mystery with a new character and the new chapters of familiar friends. A wonderful read!

Thank you to the publisher for an advanced copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Fleur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeing everyone getting together at Coral Cottage for Christmas was so wonderful, especially Ginger and Oliver as she so deserves someone just like her family around her. This puts you in the Christmas spirit and makes you want to read the series from the start again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Karen]

I loved this novella that I received as an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series by #authorjanmoran. I enjoyed this book as much asi have all the previous books in the series. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. You won’t be disappointed. I promise!

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

Another wonderful and well written holiday beach read with a great story line and a brilliant mix of characters that we've loved through this whole series. This is what Christmas is all about, family, friendships, romance and being together. A charming and festive beach read that will entertain and warm your heart. I loved this book!.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining holiday beach short story romance book that grabs your attention and holds it from beginning to end. The storyline is intriguing as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with strong chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Elyse Mcnulty · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Very Coral Christmas by Jan Moran was a nice end of year gift for all of us Coral Cottage and Seabreeze fans.This cute Novella lets us join our friends in Summer Beach as they prepare for Christmas. We also get cameo appearances from the Seabreeze characters. Wrap up your reading year with this fun story. Enjoy!

[Sue Flickinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful holiday read with many surprises. If you have read the previous books in this series, you will enjoy seeing how the various characters have evolved. Full of the best parts of celebrating the Christmas season.

[Ruth Aubertine · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I started reading this book in the morning, was done by noon!!! I couldn't put it down! Awesome read, already can't wait for the next one. I'm imagining who it will be based on, you have so many choices now! You're going to love this book!!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, another great story by Jan Moran. Holiday spirit abounds in Summer Beach! All your favorite characters from prior Coral Beach books along with some new ones. Quick holiday story to get you into the spirit of the holiday.

[Alicia Kullas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished “A Very Coral Christmas” last night. I was delighted with the introduction of Holly and the continued story of Oliver and Ginger. This warm family saga was just what I needed at this time of the year (December, 2024).

[sharon santi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felt like I was meeting up with old friends who I missed. They are all such good hearted people that celebrate Christmas as it should be, full of love, family and friends. Thank you, Jan Moran, Merry Christmas to you.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

The residents of Summer Beach come together to celebrate the season. There are some new additions like a new baby and romances like Ginger and Oliver. This will put you into the holiday spirit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.