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Come Home for Christmas
A mother’s loss, a daughter’s quest—can an island Christmas heal her?
Noelle Davis faces her first Christmas alone, her mother gone and her daughter far away. A professor with a past she’s never unlocked, she escapes to the island refuge of Friday Harbor for an audit assignment, chasing more than numbers—answers to her adoption, the secret that’s shadowed her life.
In this harbor haven, Noelle digs into her roots, guided by Sheriff Mercer, whose quiet strength and ties to her history unravel more than she expects. As clues to her birth emerge, a family she never knew opens its arms, offering warmth against the winter’s edge. Can Noelle embrace this gift of belonging, or will echoes of her past keep her adrift?
Come Home for Christmas, the ninth tale in the Hometown Harbor Series, blends a woman’s midlife quest with the glow of the season, weaving loss, love, and the pull of home. If you crave heartfelt escapes with soulful characters and festive hope, Tammy L. Grace delivers an island holiday retreat.
Read more from USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace
HOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES
Hometown The Beginning (Prequel Novella)Finding HomeHome BloomsPromise of HomePieces of HomeFinally HomeForever HomeFollow Me HomeLong Way HomeCome Home for ChristmasFeels Like HomeCOOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS
Killer MusicDeadly ConnectionDead WrongCold KillerDeadly DeceptionDeadly PursuitGLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES
Beach HavenMoonlight BeachBeach DreamsSISTERS OF THE HEART SERIESGreetings from Lavender ValleyPathway to Lavender ValleySanctuary at Lavender ValleyBlossoms at Lavender ValleyComfort in Lavender ValleyReunion in Lavender ValleyCHRISTMAS BOOKS
A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)OTHER TITLESThe Wishing TreeWish AgainOverdue WishesOne More WishPick of the LitterHearts UnleashedWelcome AboardUncharted WatersWRITING AS CASEY WILSONA Dog's HopeA Dog's Chance
Noelle Davis faces her first Christmas alone, her mother gone and her daughter far away. A professor with a past she’s never unlocked, she escapes to the island refuge of Friday Harbor for an audit assignment, chasing more than numbers—answers to her adoption, the secret that’s shadowed her life.
In this harbor haven, Noelle digs into her roots, guided by Sheriff Mercer, whose quiet strength and ties to her history unravel more than she expects. As clues to her birth emerge, a family she never knew opens its arms, offering warmth against the winter’s edge. Can Noelle embrace this gift of belonging, or will echoes of her past keep her adrift?
Come Home for Christmas, the ninth tale in the Hometown Harbor Series, blends a woman’s midlife quest with the glow of the season, weaving loss, love, and the pull of home. If you crave heartfelt escapes with soulful characters and festive hope, Tammy L. Grace delivers an island holiday retreat.
Read more from USA Today bestselling author, Tammy L. Grace
HOMETOWN HARBOR SERIES
Hometown The Beginning (Prequel Novella)Finding HomeHome BloomsPromise of HomePieces of HomeFinally HomeForever HomeFollow Me HomeLong Way HomeCome Home for ChristmasFeels Like HomeCOOPER HARRINGTON DETECTIVE NOVELS
Killer MusicDeadly ConnectionDead WrongCold KillerDeadly DeceptionDeadly PursuitGLASS BEACH COTTAGE SERIES
Beach HavenMoonlight BeachBeach DreamsSISTERS OF THE HEART SERIESGreetings from Lavender ValleyPathway to Lavender ValleySanctuary at Lavender ValleyBlossoms at Lavender ValleyComfort in Lavender ValleyReunion in Lavender ValleyCHRISTMAS BOOKS
A Season for Hope (Christmas in Silver Falls)The Magic of the Season (Christmas in Silver Falls)Christmas in Snow Valley (Hometown Christmas Series)One Unforgettable Christmas (Hometown Christmas Series)Christmas Sisters (FREE PREQUEL to Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Wishes (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Surprises (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Shelter (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)Christmas Hearts (Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge)OTHER TITLESThe Wishing TreeWish AgainOverdue WishesOne More WishPick of the LitterHearts UnleashedWelcome AboardUncharted WatersWRITING AS CASEY WILSONA Dog's HopeA Dog's Chance
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 2, 2024
373 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Tammy L. Grace
83 books1,749 followersTammy L. Grace is a USA Today bestselling and award winning author who writes women's fiction, mysteries, and sweet Christmas stories. She also writes about the bond we have with dogs using her pen name, Casey Wilson. Tammy is known for creating perfect escapes, unforgettable characters, and binge-worthy series.
When Tammy isn't working on ideas for a novel, she's spending time with family and friends or supporting her addiction to books and chocolate. She and her husband have one grown son and a spoiled golden retriever.
Tammy enjoys connecting with readers.
Website: http://www.tammylgrace.com
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 2, 2024
Are you looking for a great Christmas book to read for the Holidays? If you are, I have a book that I would like to recommend to you. It is called "Come Home for Christmas” by Tammy L. Grace. It is book nine in The Hometown Harbor series. I love this series and this book is the cherry on the top for the upcoming Holidays.
Tammy writes with such warmth and heart. Her books just pull me in. Once I start one of her books, I'm lost in another world that I don’t want to ever leave. If you try to talk to me you will find that I am either not listening or looking at you like an alien I don’t understand. I live so deep in the stories Tammy tells. She is a master storyteller in my opinion. I can’t get enough of her books.
Friday Harbor is the town where these stories take place. The folks that live and work there have either been there most of their lives or have gone there to heal from some trauma in their lives. They are without question taken in and treated as one of the group of folks that inhabit these books as one of them. I don’t know about you but, having a warm group of loving friends is right at the top of my list of wants and needs.
Tammy makes the surroundings come alive. Whether it is the restaurants, coffee shops or the markets and hardware stores on the main drag or the winery and golf course out of town. The views from the Harbor with the water come alive. I love my visits there because she makes me feel like I am shoulder to shoulder with these people.
This for me was a very special Christmas story. I love the stories of this series, the folks I have gotten to know and the surroundings. Everything! The main story in this book is about a woman named Noel who returns to Friday Harbor after losing her mother and finding out she was adopted. She hopes to find out the mystery behind her own birth.
That sounds like a heartwarming Christmas story to me. Does it to you? Have I caught your interest? I hope so! I hope you are like me and are always looking for stories like this that will give you the warm fuzzies at Christmas. I’m always on the quest looking for the ultimate Christmas story. I need one special book every year during the Holidays. This is my recommendation for your Holiday reading. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Tammy L. Grace. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
Tammy writes with such warmth and heart. Her books just pull me in. Once I start one of her books, I'm lost in another world that I don’t want to ever leave. If you try to talk to me you will find that I am either not listening or looking at you like an alien I don’t understand. I live so deep in the stories Tammy tells. She is a master storyteller in my opinion. I can’t get enough of her books.
Friday Harbor is the town where these stories take place. The folks that live and work there have either been there most of their lives or have gone there to heal from some trauma in their lives. They are without question taken in and treated as one of the group of folks that inhabit these books as one of them. I don’t know about you but, having a warm group of loving friends is right at the top of my list of wants and needs.
Tammy makes the surroundings come alive. Whether it is the restaurants, coffee shops or the markets and hardware stores on the main drag or the winery and golf course out of town. The views from the Harbor with the water come alive. I love my visits there because she makes me feel like I am shoulder to shoulder with these people.
This for me was a very special Christmas story. I love the stories of this series, the folks I have gotten to know and the surroundings. Everything! The main story in this book is about a woman named Noel who returns to Friday Harbor after losing her mother and finding out she was adopted. She hopes to find out the mystery behind her own birth.
That sounds like a heartwarming Christmas story to me. Does it to you? Have I caught your interest? I hope so! I hope you are like me and are always looking for stories like this that will give you the warm fuzzies at Christmas. I’m always on the quest looking for the ultimate Christmas story. I need one special book every year during the Holidays. This is my recommendation for your Holiday reading. Until next time…Happy Reading!
Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the #Tammy L. Grace. The opinions I have expressed are my own and I was not required to write a review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
October 5, 2024
Latest Book in the Hometown Harbor Series!
This book continues on with most of the characters we have been introduced to in the Hometown Harbor series. Noelle comes to Friday Harbor to find information about her biological mother and here she meets Sheriff Carson. A tight knit community, she is welcomed into their midst which includes many happy dogs (love that)! The storyline completes itself as the book ends happily with a promise of another book in the series. Loved this series and give it 5 stars!
This book continues on with most of the characters we have been introduced to in the Hometown Harbor series. Noelle comes to Friday Harbor to find information about her biological mother and here she meets Sheriff Carson. A tight knit community, she is welcomed into their midst which includes many happy dogs (love that)! The storyline completes itself as the book ends happily with a promise of another book in the series. Loved this series and give it 5 stars!
October 2, 2024
Come home for Christmas
This is an uplifting book about Noelle Davis a college professor who is going through a difficult transition after the death of her Mom and her daughter deciding not to come home for Christmas.
Her mother leaves her surprising information that leads her on a journey to find her beginnings and leads her to her future.
She travels to Friday Harbor on a chance offer from her job and meets with the island’s sheriff Carson Mercer, who comes to her rescue. They hit it off and along with helpful town officials and friends she works on solving her new found mystery. During her stay she finds herself and hope for her future, another great Tammy L. Grace book, she never disappoints.
This is an uplifting book about Noelle Davis a college professor who is going through a difficult transition after the death of her Mom and her daughter deciding not to come home for Christmas.
Her mother leaves her surprising information that leads her on a journey to find her beginnings and leads her to her future.
She travels to Friday Harbor on a chance offer from her job and meets with the island’s sheriff Carson Mercer, who comes to her rescue. They hit it off and along with helpful town officials and friends she works on solving her new found mystery. During her stay she finds herself and hope for her future, another great Tammy L. Grace book, she never disappoints.
October 2, 2024
Widower Noelle comes to Friday Harbor for two reasons. First she is looking for a change in the job department. Secondly, she is hoping to find out her true identity after being left at the fire station as an infant. She comes to complete an audit for the city and immediately connects with Carson, the local sheriff who helps her find accommodations after a reservation mix up.
All the people in town are kind and welcoming. They invite Noelle to various holiday celebrations. Noelle volunteers to head up the local toy drive and senior citizen gift distribution( to help Carson.
Lots of emotions and feelings run through the book as Noelle realizes she may learn about her family
Where will Noelle eventually live? Is there a future with Carson? Will she discover the truth about her family?
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
All the people in town are kind and welcoming. They invite Noelle to various holiday celebrations. Noelle volunteers to head up the local toy drive and senior citizen gift distribution( to help Carson.
Lots of emotions and feelings run through the book as Noelle realizes she may learn about her family
Where will Noelle eventually live? Is there a future with Carson? Will she discover the truth about her family?
Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
October 3, 2024
Coming Home for Christmas
This is a beautiful story that is a heartwarming and uplifting. I can't imagine not knowing who your family is but also never knowing you were adopted would be so shocking. Friday Harbor is a place where you find the yourself surrounded by a community that's warm , welcoming and family. The characters are realistic, friendly and loyal. After you finish this book I felt the need to call my family. A must read series. Enjoy
This is a beautiful story that is a heartwarming and uplifting. I can't imagine not knowing who your family is but also never knowing you were adopted would be so shocking. Friday Harbor is a place where you find the yourself surrounded by a community that's warm , welcoming and family. The characters are realistic, friendly and loyal. After you finish this book I felt the need to call my family. A must read series. Enjoy
October 6, 2024
Loved it. I tried to save it for a trip I’m taking but I couldn’t. Once I started, I couldn’t put it down. Thanks Tammy for another amazing novel.
October 3, 2024
Another sweet and charming winner
Not Rick, Jan (share account). Tammy Grace has provided a double winner - a story of both family and family of the heart in this charming addition to her Friday Harbor series. New main characters and revisiting many from her prior books made this latest outing most enjoyable!
Not Rick, Jan (share account). Tammy Grace has provided a double winner - a story of both family and family of the heart in this charming addition to her Friday Harbor series. New main characters and revisiting many from her prior books made this latest outing most enjoyable!
October 2, 2024
Another winner
What a wonderful addition to the Hometown Harbor series. Love how Tammy always has the characters from the previous books part of or mentioned in the new story. Another must read. You will not be disappointed and once you start you won't want to put it down.
What a wonderful addition to the Hometown Harbor series. Love how Tammy always has the characters from the previous books part of or mentioned in the new story. Another must read. You will not be disappointed and once you start you won't want to put it down.
October 2, 2024
Noelle’s husband died many years ago, and her daughter is now in college, recently engaged and planning to spend Christmas with her fiancé’s family. Noelle accepts a 3-day audit job at a college on the San Juan islands. When her mother recently passed, she left her a letter explaining that she was adopted and had been left at a fire station on the island. So Noelle also hopes to find some answers about her birth mother. When she arrives at the island, she discovers that her reservation was made for the wrong place. But because of this error, she discovers a whole new world of friends and a chance at a new beginning for herself. Characters from not only the Hometown Harbor series, but also from the Lavender Valley and Sail Away series appear in the book. Tammy Grace’s description of the island and the development of the characters make you want to be in the story and meet everyone for yourself.
I was privileged to be an ARC reader, but all opinions are my own.
I was privileged to be an ARC reader, but all opinions are my own.
December 1, 2025
Friday Harbor Washington island off San Juan.
Noelle co e to the island for work but reall to look for her biological mother, as she was left at the fire station as a baby.
When she get there she runs into Carson the sheriff. Her reservation at the Inn was messed up Carson helped her get a place. People in the town gave her an apartment above the coffee shop. The town people embraced her with warmth and openness. Was so different from where she lived. Invited her to party’s, the boat parade, dinner, Christmas Eve she even was head of the toy drive for kids and seniors. She loved being to involved.
Carson and Noelle spent time together and she loved his dog Justice. He took her to a restaurant overlooking the harbor. She began to invision a life on the island. She got a job offer and decided to stay.
Noelle co e to the island for work but reall to look for her biological mother, as she was left at the fire station as a baby.
When she get there she runs into Carson the sheriff. Her reservation at the Inn was messed up Carson helped her get a place. People in the town gave her an apartment above the coffee shop. The town people embraced her with warmth and openness. Was so different from where she lived. Invited her to party’s, the boat parade, dinner, Christmas Eve she even was head of the toy drive for kids and seniors. She loved being to involved.
Carson and Noelle spent time together and she loved his dog Justice. He took her to a restaurant overlooking the harbor. She began to invision a life on the island. She got a job offer and decided to stay.
October 12, 2024
This has to be one of my favorite series by Tammy L. Grace, especially because it is in Friday Harbor and takes place over the Christmas holidays. We meet Noelle Davis, who comes there to do an audit in the school system, and to solve the mystery of finding her birth mother. She only has about two weeks in which to do research and find someone who was there 50 years ago when she was dropped off at the firehouse as a newborn. This is an emotional story of loss, hope, trusting others, moving forward, and opening her heart to the love of new friends at the most beautiful time of the year. I am so happy that Tammy is continuing this series. Adding some people from her other series into the mix makes this book all the more enjoyable. I highly recommend this book.
October 3, 2024
Another great Friday Harbor story.....a great addition to the Hometown Harbor series!! I've been a fan of Tammy Grace and this series from the very beginning and I'm so honored to be an advance reader for Tammy. This book, with a Christmas theme, is another view of the great friends in Friday Harbor. They are compassionate and you'll want to go here to live and be accepted into this circle. As Noelle, a widow, finds a new beginning and is taken into this wonderful group. She also finds answers to her past as well as a more than friend relationship. Don't miss this wonderful addition to the series!!
October 7, 2024
Professor Noelle Davis has had a lot of grief to deal with lately. Both her fur loving dog has passed away and now, her mother. Christmas will be too lonely this year, so she decides to do something unexpected. When Noelle arrives in Friday Harbor, she could never imagine that her past and her future awaited her in this delightful and very enjoyable book.
December 30, 2024
Another Winner!
A great read set on San Juan Island. I’m ready to visit as it sounds intriguing. This was the last of the series (so far). Hopefully we have more as I feel these folks are friends and I want to find out how they are doing. Plus a new puppy! Highly recommend this Hometown Harbor Series.
A great read set on San Juan Island. I’m ready to visit as it sounds intriguing. This was the last of the series (so far). Hopefully we have more as I feel these folks are friends and I want to find out how they are doing. Plus a new puppy! Highly recommend this Hometown Harbor Series.
January 26, 2025
Great series! Such a wonderful book!
I love this community of friends and have enjoyed all of the books in the series so much. Please continue writing more books in this series!! I always take my time reading Tammy L. Grace's books because I love them so much and I don't want the books to end!
I love this community of friends and have enjoyed all of the books in the series so much. Please continue writing more books in this series!! I always take my time reading Tammy L. Grace's books because I love them so much and I don't want the books to end!
October 15, 2024
I really enjoyed this storyline and sweet ending. I was adopted and like Noelle I was blessed with wonderful loving parents. This story really touched me and brought me so much joy. Thank you Tammy L. Grace for such a lovely story of hope and love.
October 24, 2024
Another feel good story with a happy ending! I wish there were several more books in this series to read … but Ive read everyone. In fact, I’ve read every book in every series Tammy Grace has written!
December 13, 2024
Hometown Harbor
I've read all the books in this series and loved every one of them. Tammy L. Grace is so good at drawing you into the story.... I'm always happy to see another book so I can revisit this magical place.
I've read all the books in this series and loved every one of them. Tammy L. Grace is so good at drawing you into the story.... I'm always happy to see another book so I can revisit this magical place.
September 18, 2025
Another Winner
I love this series. With each book I quickly settled into the rhythm of the story. The author has such a delightful way of telling a story and I know I’m in for a happy read.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
I love this series. With each book I quickly settled into the rhythm of the story. The author has such a delightful way of telling a story and I know I’m in for a happy read.
Looking forward to the next book in the series.
November 10, 2025
Great story
I love the series that connects the characters from book to book even though each has their own main character and story line. Great read but start at the first book so you have the background.
I love the series that connects the characters from book to book even though each has their own main character and story line. Great read but start at the first book so you have the background.
October 9, 2024
A great story from Tammy L. Grace. I hope there is a book 10!
October 21, 2024
Another beautiful addition to the Hometown Harbor series. I kicked off my Christmas season reading with this one and it did not disappoint. Great story, all the warm friendships, and Christmas!
November 29, 2024
A wonderful Chistmas story. Like this author. I recommend this book to read this season!!!
March 13, 2025
Awesome!
I loved this series! I love the twists and turns! I have a new author that I absolutely love her stories! Thank you Tammy L. Grace!
I loved this series! I love the twists and turns! I have a new author that I absolutely love her stories! Thank you Tammy L. Grace!
July 23, 2025
grab your favorite throw and settle in.
Another great story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. This is definitely a book to read. Don’t plan anything for the day.
Another great story. Kept me on the edge of my seat. This is definitely a book to read. Don’t plan anything for the day.
October 5, 2024
Once i started reading this book it was like I stepped off the ferry in Friday Harbor to meet up with old, familiar friends. I loved meeting Noelle and Carson and hope to see them again - along with the other residents of the town.
Congratulations to Tammy Grace for another 5 star story.
Congratulations to Tammy Grace for another 5 star story.
November 13, 2024
well told story of how much life can change when kids leave home to begin their own lives. Somehow you may end up changing your whole life and finding new meaning to the one you find.
September 21, 2024
I can’t decide what I enjoyed more – the story, the characters, the small-town charm, or all the lovely Christmas details!
The author has created such a special place in this series and a cast of characters that feel like friends. In this addition, the protagonist is a professional woman who is dreading the prospect of spending Christmas alone. Instead, a short-term job assignment in Friday Harbor offers her a perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday away from home and pick up the threads of a search for answers about her start in life.
What unfolds is a captivating story of the power of human connection and the true meaning of family. An enjoyable and inspiring story.
I recommend this whole series.
The author has created such a special place in this series and a cast of characters that feel like friends. In this addition, the protagonist is a professional woman who is dreading the prospect of spending Christmas alone. Instead, a short-term job assignment in Friday Harbor offers her a perfect opportunity to enjoy a holiday away from home and pick up the threads of a search for answers about her start in life.
What unfolds is a captivating story of the power of human connection and the true meaning of family. An enjoyable and inspiring story.
I recommend this whole series.
November 2, 2025
I loved this series and I want more!! Thank you so much Tammy!
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews