Island Christmas: A World War II Caribbean Christmas romance

by Callie Browning

They'll have a Christmas to remember...but only if the army doesn’t find out.

A workplace romance on a tropical island between two spies? Christmas just got even hotter. When Annie Jones is recruited as a spy during World War 2 in Barbados, she is instantly attracted to her operations officer. Alex James is suave and skilled at explosives so sparks fly when he’s training Annie. They both know it’s forbidden but they can’t fight their feelings as things come to a head in one of history’s biggest wars.

Genres: Christmas

107 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 14, 2024

Reviews

[Bozena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit that before this book, I didn't really know much about World War II in the Caribbean.
Yes, I'm from Europe, and I was born in Poland, so the subject of World War II is very close to my heart.
But I didn't realize that it had so much of an impact on other countries that shouldn't have had anything to do with this terrible war.

This beautiful book is an amazing Christmas romance, one that is incredibly fascinating and completely different from all other historical fiction WWII stories I've read so far.

Callie Browning has a gift for telling exciting, enchanting stories.
It's a short prequel that I read so quickly that I didn't even know I could read so fast at all.

For anyone who likes books by Caribbean authors as much as I do, I recommend this book.

It's the first short book or prequel to a WWII Caribbean romance.
I really enjoyed it and can't wait for the next book.

After this exciting prequel, the next book can't come soon enough.

[Msstiletto · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was cute…

[Venessa Augustin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 4th book I have read by Callie Browning. She is a phenomenal writer. Not many has written about WWII affecting the Caribbean. The love story is absolutely divine. I can relate to Annie's not feeling special on her birthday being it is on Christmas day. My birthday is also on Christmas day and I have never felt special until I met my husband. He celebrated my birthday. Then our 1st son was born was born on ......yep Christmas Day. I vowed never to have him ever feel the way I did growing up. So Christmas morning we celebrate his birthday, he opens his birthday gifts, we have our birthday breakfast then after we celebrate Christmas. After dinner we celebrate blowing out the candles on our birthday cakes for dessert.
Congratulations! Can wait for the novel.

[Diane RB (booksandthensome) · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

Happy book birthday to Island Christmas! (14 November 2024). I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy, and I must say this short story exceeded my expectations. Caribbean author Callie Browning sets this Christmas romance against the backdrop of WWII-era Barbados, weaving a tale of two spies on a shared mission. At just 58 pages, this book serves as a prequel to an upcoming full-length historical fiction novel that I eagerly anticipate reading!

This is my second book by Callie Browning, and I can confidently call myself a fan of her writing. Her storytelling embodies the “show, don’t tell” principle, with every line brimming with emotional intensity and vivid, immersive settings. Though short, this story captivated me, and I am fully invested. I can’t wait for her to dive deeper into these characters and further explore this fascinating historical setting, which is entirely new to me.

Congratulations, Callie and count me in among the readers of your future works 💯

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to read the full novel that this is a prequel to! I loved learning more about WW2 and the effect it had on Barbados (the Caribbean). It made me want to read more WW2 set outside Europe and the US. Callie excels at creating characters and a world that seems real. Getting to know her and seeing a bit of the behind the scenes; she puts so much thought and time into what she writes and how it will connect with the reader.

I recommend Island Christmas to anyone who is looking for a low stream feel good historical Christmas story.

[NubianJoí · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Clandestine Chivalry

The 40’s is an era I absolutely adore 😍‼️ This is/was my inaugural Author Browning read. Nevertheless, “Island Christmas: A WW II Caribbean Christmas Romance (War & Roses: WWII Romance in Barbados) was captivating & a great read. Even in the midst of the great depression aggregate factors or court marshals, threats of insubordination, disguise of acts of patriotism, circumventing racism, personal commitments & the ulterior mission of one soldier Mr. Alexander James: the charismatic clandestine chivalrous courtship to a Miss Anastasia Jones. What’s next…😍🤓🫣⁉️

[Maëlla K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The setting is so original.
As usual, Callie Browning is taking us on another journey we didn't know we were hoping for. It's all in the details of what Barbados during WWII must have been like. We need this kind of representation.

The meet-cute is meet-cuting all right. You can't help but root for Annie and Alex.

Can't wait for the big story!

[N.G. Peltier · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this historical romance set in Barbados. It was intriguing to see how Christmas was celebrated at that time while our hero was schooling the heroine on how to be a spy.

And le gasp at the glimpse of the full length novel to come??? Because yeaaaah listen, as a Caribbean person that lil peek sounded like bacchanal and I do so love some drama LOL

[Latoya (jamaicangirlreads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alex and Annie!!!! In one swift, whirlwind romance captured my heart and left me yearning for so much more!! With Annie's gentle fierceness and Alex's charisma and charm, I can't wait to see how the rest of their story unfolds!

[Chantel DaCosta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic Bajan Historical Romance Novella bonus it's set at Christmas

You'll love this if you love Caribbean literature, World War II, spies and romance. I can't wait to read Browning's full length World War II novel.

[thedopereads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the beginnings of Alex & Annie’s love story. It was so beautiful to see two people fall for each other unexpectedly. Alex was so dedicated to giving Annie a special experience for her birthday, even with uncertainty happening all around them. I wanted to read more of them.

[Teresa Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Island Christmas

You know you have a good novella when you want more. Annie and Alex are worth a whole novel. This is my first time reading a book by Callie Browning but I will add her name to my list of authors. I love a good Christmas story and this one was so much more.

[Jade B · Rating 5 out of 5]

hooked from beginning to end!! felt unreal reading about Christmas in Barbados but this was perfect!!

[Kate]

DNF 46% Honestly I just wasn’t finding it grabbing. That’s all.

[laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Maybe this is going to be an unpopular post....a short read that left me feeling underwhelmed.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sweet and oh so good!

This book felt like home to read. A well-written short story that is just charming. We explore the recruitment and training of Annie by Alex, on the island of Barbados, during world war 2. There is an instant attraction between the two, but things aren't that simple. There are rules that must be followed about relationships between spies, especially between a recruit and their superior.

I loved how the author developed the main characters' thoughts and relationship, how she captured the scenery of everyday life on the island during Christmas and Annie's family dynamics. In all a beautiful historical tale and I can't wait to see these two again!

[Arianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so mad it was so short 😅😅.

I took so long to finally read this book that I missed any news or information that this was simply the prologue for the full book.

Callie Browning's writing is always a joy to read, always relatable, always Caribbean.

Can't wait to read the full book 💜