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A Sunshine Christmas
Maree Houston’s ex-husband is back in Sunshine and she quickly discovers that a stolen kiss could ruin everything.
It’s been five years since Maree divorced Jack. They married too young and when things got tough, they found they couldn’t keep it together. She remained in Sunshine and he moved away with his family. But now he’s back and his presence in the small, beachside hamlet threatens to upend her carefully constructed single life.
When he shows up at the restaurant where she works, she’s temporarily stunned. But soon regains her senses and agrees to hang out together as friends, to put their awkwardness aside and move forward. When they get together, old feelings rise to the surface. She thinks about the fact that the last time she kissed him, she hadn’t realised it would be the last time. And now she wonders if his kiss will look, taste and feel the same as she remembered. Before she can help herself, she’s kissing her ex-husband — a kiss that could ruin all the work they’ve each done to rebuild their lives.
She’s been single for five years, but this Christmas will be the first time she’s felt truly alone. With Jack so close by, and their kiss lingering in her thoughts, the carols and mistletoe only remind her of what she’s lost. And she realises she made a terrible mistake. And now it’s too late to make up for the pain of the past.
Spend Christmas with your friends in Sunshine and enjoy a heartwarming, sweet romantic women’s fiction beach read with all the feels.
It’s been five years since Maree divorced Jack. They married too young and when things got tough, they found they couldn’t keep it together. She remained in Sunshine and he moved away with his family. But now he’s back and his presence in the small, beachside hamlet threatens to upend her carefully constructed single life.
When he shows up at the restaurant where she works, she’s temporarily stunned. But soon regains her senses and agrees to hang out together as friends, to put their awkwardness aside and move forward. When they get together, old feelings rise to the surface. She thinks about the fact that the last time she kissed him, she hadn’t realised it would be the last time. And now she wonders if his kiss will look, taste and feel the same as she remembered. Before she can help herself, she’s kissing her ex-husband — a kiss that could ruin all the work they’ve each done to rebuild their lives.
She’s been single for five years, but this Christmas will be the first time she’s felt truly alone. With Jack so close by, and their kiss lingering in her thoughts, the carols and mistletoe only remind her of what she’s lost. And she realises she made a terrible mistake. And now it’s too late to make up for the pain of the past.
Spend Christmas with your friends in Sunshine and enjoy a heartwarming, sweet romantic women’s fiction beach read with all the feels.
174 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 3, 2024
67 people are currently reading
26 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Mirren
36 books312 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
December 18, 2024
When waitress Maree Houston’s ex-husband Jack moves back to Sunshine, she waits on him and his family at the local Inn/restaurant. Jack & Maree married too young, and when the marriage was falling apart, Jack suddenly moved away, but now he's back, suggesting that they become friends. Along the beginning steps towards friendship, they kiss, and Maree wonders if she & Jack could have more than friendship? But could she trust him not to up and leave her again? And what about Maree's secret? "A Sunshine Christmas" is a warm and wonderful story of family, second chances, doubts, trust and ultimately true love. I enjoyed the sweet friend and family relationships as well as cameo appearances by characters from previous books in this series. I wholeheartedly recommend this sweet and clean book as well as this entire series!
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
December 7, 2024
After splitting up and getting divorced five years earlier Maree bumps into her ex, Jack., who has returned to the area. She has been struggling bringing up her son, Sam, working whilst also studying to be a financial consultant. Jack coming back into her life makes her think back to their relationship and how their split up happened.
Is always a pleasure to return to Sunshine and catch up with the characters from the earlier books. I did feel for Maree, struggling on her own, although she did have support from her friends. There are updates with new relationships forming, existing ones growing, all amongst sunshine and surf in this idyllic location making this an ideal beach read, or in fact at any time of the year.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Is always a pleasure to return to Sunshine and catch up with the characters from the earlier books. I did feel for Maree, struggling on her own, although she did have support from her friends. There are updates with new relationships forming, existing ones growing, all amongst sunshine and surf in this idyllic location making this an ideal beach read, or in fact at any time of the year.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
December 7, 2024
What a wonderful book! I loved every page. It's about second chances, raising families, gathering of friends and food. Tons of food for not only daily consumption but at parties, in the fancy resort and on the beach. This book is different because it is Sunshine, Bribie Island, down under. Christmas there is like hot summer here, and I love it. Holiday dinners on the patio, going down to the beach and heading out for a swim, in December. My favorite person is little Sam and his young life where he enjoys all things, especially his mom. Thanks for a great read.
December 15, 2024
This is a great book. Just right for the Christmas season. The main character is Maree. She’s a single mom and having a rough time making ends meet. Her ex is back in the picture and he must prove that he’s trustworthy. While the book has some drama, the story leaves you feeling happy, just right for the season.
December 26, 2024
Another very enjoyable Lilly Mirren book. Being of a certain age I could easily relate to this tale. Mirren shows that she understands clearly the human race and her tales are always very understandable and mid-life women can certainly relate. Always believable. She writes the truth, not syrupy, sticky sweetness....this is why I love her books.
October 14, 2025
Another cute book in the series. Maree and her ex husband are the main characters. She is a friend of Beth and Jemma. She has a 4 year old son that ex doesn’t know about because he left after his twin brother died and sent divorce papers. They fall in love again. Emily and Aaron have Christmas wedding.
December 4, 2024
Maree and Jack have a chance at a reconciliation but Jack must prove that he is trustworthy and will not leave her again. Their story is full of love, redemption, and forgiveness. Very well written. There are others with their issues in this story that get resolved in a satisfactory way.
May 21, 2025
ASunshine Christmas
Beautiful story of love refound. I’m sure things like this probably actually happen sometimes. Life is hard and to actually have someone to share it with would be wonderful
Beautiful story of love refound. I’m sure things like this probably actually happen sometimes. Life is hard and to actually have someone to share it with would be wonderful
January 13, 2025
sunshine Christmas
Great book. Fun to read and enjoy Christmas with all the family members. The weather in Australia was great for Christmas and a swim.
Great book. Fun to read and enjoy Christmas with all the family members. The weather in Australia was great for Christmas and a swim.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews