A Ferry Merry Christmas

by Debbie Macomber

A delayed ferryboat brings people together in the best of ways during the holiday season in this enchanting Christmas novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.

Avery and Reed Bond have always shared a close-knit relationship, having weathered life's storms side by side. Even so, Avery often finds herself exasperated by her brother's relentless matchmaking, while Reed can't resist teasing his sister—after all, isn't that what siblings do? Following the recent passing of their beloved Gram, the woman who lovingly raised them, Reed and Avery decide to honor her memory by spending Christmas together.

However, their holiday plans take an unexpected turn when a mechanical failure strands Avery on the ferry in the middle of the Puget Sound and Reed waiting for her arrival. At first, the inconvenience seems to halt the festivities, but soon, Avery and Reed discover that this unforeseen detour might just be a blessing in disguise.

While stuck on the ferry, Avery meets a handsome sailor and witnesses a Christmas miracle that reignites her belief in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, Reed runs into a coworker who’s also waiting for a family member to arrive, sparking an unexpected and delightful connection.

In this tale of holiday magic, the Bond siblings find themselves swept up in taking a chance on love, proving that sometimes the best moments in life come when we least expect them.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Holiday, Fiction, Audiobook, Contemporary, Chick Lit

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 14, 2025

About the author

Debbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.

In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.

Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.

She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.

Reviews

[Renata Annese · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a short, sweet, feel-good holiday read that gently reminds us that there’s good to be found in every situation... sometimes we just have to slow down long enough to notice it. ❄️❤️ Set aboard a ferry during the holidays, this story brings together strangers, life lessons, second chances, and that cozy found-family feeling that feels especially magical this time of year.

Let’s be honest... this is very much a low-stakes holiday read. Everyone is kind, the conflict is soft and neatly wrapped like a small Santa gift 🎁, and even the heavier moments arrive gently, like quiet snow flurries. There’s no big emotional spiral or dramatic chaos… just comfort, warmth, and reassurance.

And you know what? Sometimes that’s exactly what you want. ☕📖

If you’re looking for a calming, heartwarming story that won’t break your heart or stress you out, this one delivers. It feels like a big group hug from strangers in ugly Christmas sweaters... and while I didn’t love it, I definitely smiled. 😊

Debbie Macomber does what she does best here: comforting storytelling, festive vibes, and characters who remind us that everyone carries worries, but healing is possible through patience, forgiveness, and letting others help. I loved that the story focused on more than one couple and leaned heavily into themes of family, second chances, and togetherness. 💞

✨ Light

✨ Cozy

✨ Sweet

✨ Totally Hallmark-movie energy

Overall, this is a warm, gentle holiday read that captures the spirit of Christmas and kindness... and sometimes, that’s more than enough. 🎄💚

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ferry Merry Christmas is a delightful holiday read with some lovely events that come from a huge inconvenience during the busy Christmas season. A ferry going from Bremerton, Washington to Seattle has engine trouble that is supposed to be a quick fix once a part is found. But after hours of sitting in Puget Sound, people are on edge, All have events to attend and this is Christmas! But because of the kindness of one sharing special Christmas cookies, others are inspired and true Christmas spirit is brought out. People are brought together and old hurts are salved, reconciliation happens, new romance on board and at the port springs forth, support for others, a little girl gets her Christmas wish, new friendships, and many get to participate in a special new baby's birth. Sweet story of love and realizing the true Christmas spirit. Hmm. Makes one wonder if it was by Devine plan. Just saying.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts. I am happy to say that I also won a lovely hardback copy of this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Oceana Reads Co. · Rating 4 out of 5]

An absolutely delightful Christmas read!

This is one of those Christmas stories with multiple stories in one that all come together at the end.
My favourite kind!
We follow several different POV's of people on a ferry sailing across the Puget Sound towards Seattle.
Each POV learns something important about grace, forgiveness, hope, and love. It was lovely!
There was a touch of Christian faith content and lots of sweet cozy Christmas vibes.

No language and no spice at all.
Highly recommend!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, A Ferry Merry Christmas, by Debbie Macomber, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Siblings Avery and and Reed Bond are close, especially after the loss of their beloved Grandma. This was a cute story, but I knew what was going to happen, so it didnt make it as fun, I like to be surprised.

[Chris C - A Midlife Wife · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are just some days you have to let everything go, carve some time out for yourself, and pick up a wonderful feel-good story. I think this is why I love Christmas romance stories so much. By the end of the story, you have a smile on your face.

This particular story is unique because we are getting a close-up look while following multiple people on the same ferry that inconveniently breaks down in the middle of a crossing.

The travelers are stressed because they have places to be, but human kindness and a couple of romance developments happen along the way.

There’s no better storyteller of these feel-good romance stories than Macomber. Her characters are unique, relatable, with good hearts deep down. Doesn't the good always win?

The romance in A Ferry Merry Christmas is sweet and promising. I especially love the reunited couple, and she even got a few weepy eyes out of me.

Give yourself a break this holiday and check out this easy, cozy Christmas story that is sure to leave you smiling.

~~~~
* I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
* Full review - https://amidlifewife.com/a-ferry-merr...

[Karen.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this Christmas story, one of the most entertaining I have read.

[Muffinsandbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

3,5⭐️
En soi, ça n'avait rien de révolutionnaire ET j'ai trouvé que le style était un peu simpliste par instant mais aussi qu'on nous répétait souvent les mêmes choses MAIS... bah j'ai quand même beaucoup aimé. C'était très touchant et plein de beaux sentiments, pile poil ce qu'on a envie de lire pour avoir l'esprit de Noël quoi !

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you ready for a sweet and touching Christmas story? I was and this one was so good! It left my heart feeling lighter and happier and ready for the goodwill that comes with the Christmas season!

I loved reading the author's note at the beginning of the book for how she came up with the idea for this story, how she read a newspaper article about a ferry in the Puget Sound having trouble and being stuck on a sandbar, and how this story quickly came to life in her mind.

I loved seeing how the passengers on this ferry all have places and people they are trying to get to and with the engine having problems, they are stuck and going to be late or miss important events. Tensions start to rise but then there was a sweet moment that brought so many of these passengers together to help and change their frustrations.

I also really enjoyed how the author wove together these characters and connections. We all have so many connections around us all the time, without even realizing it. I sometimes drive my family crazy because we can go anywhere and I see someone and say I think I know them. Or I'll just start talking to a random stranger and ask a few questions and through those questions come to find out that I know them or their family or friends, that we have some sort of connection. My family can get annoyed by me doing so sometimes but they're used to it and it just shows every time this happens that we truly are more connected with those around us than we know. So it was fun to see how the author wove that into this story.

Very heartwarming story with happy moments for these characters and finding joy and healing, sometimes after many years! And yes, there are a couple sweet budding romances within, but don't worry, they're not an insta-love scenario, but just the start of something good! The epilogue was so fun how the author tied it all in and brought it full circle!

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the publisher, Ballantine Books, via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading (and connection making)!!!

[Keri Stone · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished my last holiday read for the season, and it was cute. Many people are traveling on the ferry towards Seattle, when it breaks down and stalls in the middle of the Puget Sound. At first they think it will probably be a quick fix, but soon the captain is announcing a part must be found on the main land and brought to them. Who’s on board?

Avery plans to spend Christmas with her brother Reed; the first since their grandmother has died. Another man, a sailor, is looking to join his sister. A woman, estranged from her husband, is on board with her young daughter. And a man’s wife has called to say she’s in labor. The people onboard are frustrated at being delayed from their holiday activities, but in time the holiday magic grabs hold.

Enjoyable, light holiday book. 3-1/2 averaged to 3.

[Brenna (brennas_book_corner) · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are looking for a sappy, Hallmark-like Christmas read then this one is for you!

Not my favorite from Debbie, but still a sweet read. ❤️

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Ferry Merry Christmas by Debbie Macomber
Holiday romance. Closed door.
A ferry ride brings strangers together and connections that may not have otherwise happened. Holiday magic, family reunions and babies.
A full cast of characters in a holiday emotional story like this author does so well.

Sentimental, and enchanting.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. Fun, heartwarming, and a great Christmas read!

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ferry Merry Christmas is a touching story about a group of people who come together when it matters the most.

Avery Bond is on her way to see her brother for Christmas. They are both dealing with the loss of their beloved Grandmother. Being stuck for hours on the Ferry is not what Avery had in mind, but she finds some friends along the way to share the time with.

Harrison Stetler is on his way to see his sister after being gone for a few years, due to being in the Navy. He is very excited to see her, but he finds that having hours to chat with Avery is just as wonderful.

Virginia Talbot is on her way to see her twin sister. They had a falling out over something that should have never happened. She is on her way, hoping to make up and spend the Holiday together.

Beth Sullivan is on her way with her adorable daughter Olivia to see Santa. Olivia only wants two things. She wants an iPad and she wants her daddy to come home for Christmas.

Debbie Macomber writes the best Holiday stories. They make you laugh and cry and when it's all over, you just want to pick it up and read it again.

I enjoyed A Ferry Merry Christmas so much! There's romance, second chance at love, hope, friendship, family and of course the magic of the season is present throughout.

*Thank you NetGalley & Ballantine Books for providing me with an advanced readers copy for a honest review*

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a small book and can be read in two days. It’s about a ferry boat that should only take 30 minutes to get from point A to point B, which ends up having engine failure, and all sorts of things happen. There are several main characters who were all very nice people, and in the end, a marriage has been reconciled and several people are starting to date. There’s also a birth, but luckily only the husband is on board.

[Carvanz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, cute, fun, and heartfelt, this story embodies everything I love about Debbie Macomber’s holiday books. The romance is soft, gentle, and sweet with an organic feel that just unfolds naturally. Multiple characters each carry their own heavy burdens into the season, and in true Macomber style, I was gently drawn into the heart of their struggles and then tenderly led to peace and contentment, all wrapped in the glow of Christmas.





Each storyline felt real and relatable, stirring every emotion that living through such moments would bring. The culmination, with music, shared strength, and the group’s quiet unity, was beautiful. It was all made even more powerful as the Christmas spirit took center stage. I always hate to say goodbye to Macomber’s characters, but I close her books feeling full of warmth and hope, seeing the world in a kinder light. This is definitely one to move to the top of your holiday reading list.

Multi POV
Safe no ow/om drama; no cheating
Triggers no apparent triggers
Steam 0 /5; no steam just sweetness

[Rhiannon Trask · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book made me irrationally angry by the end.

They explained the reason the dad left his family at least 5 times by the end of the book. We get it already! He’s emasculated because his in-laws paid off their medical debt. Move on and grow up. He should have been grateful for the assistance, rather than just leaving his wife and kid for 2 (!) years.

Same dad mansplained his wife’s birth to her 4 years later. And she was clueless about some things. What? Like they wouldn’t have discussed the birth trauma ad nauseam after it happened? And she didn’t remember that the baby was in distress bc she had an infection and they put her on antibiotics? She was fully conscious pushing that baby out! How did she not realize the baby was blue?? Also, all newborns come out blue. Did no one in the delivery room explain this to the dad? Did they not take a birthing class or read a pregnancy book? Give me a break.

The little kid telling her unemployed mom and underemployed dad that she’s going to ask Santa for an iPad for Christmas…and then she got it?? Straight to jail.

The new dad asked his laboring wife if he could put her on speaker phone so the whole ferry could listen as she had contractions? Jail. Immediate jail.

Also, why didn’t he just yell that his wife was in labor by herself with their first child when everyone was complaining? He definitely should have been taken out on the speed boat. Most people on that ferry would have been fine with that! The captain was an idiot and a jerk.

And then the tugboat being brought in after 4 hours and trying the engine repair with the part that was evidently ridiculously rare and then still didn’t work…why didn’t they START WITH THE TUGBOAT??

Most of the plot points of this book center upon unrealistic and absurd situations. If this happened in real life, it would not take a rocket scientist (or boat mechanic) to figure out how to solve these problems.

This book could have been an email.

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I see I am in the minority here, but, I thought Harrison was creepy. Omgosh, from the very first interaction with Avery he came on entirely too strong! If I were her, I would have moved to the other side of the ferry. He sounded SO NEEDY and DESPERATE! Reed wasn't much better with his interactions with Kellie, but at least seemed a little more restrained. I did enjoy the storylines of the other passengers; James, Victoria and Beth(Olivia was such a delightful child!). I found Logan to be a very intriguing character! The ending scene made me cry happy tears.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute concept! Loved the stuck on the ferry premise. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, predictable, cozy read this one’s for you. It takes place at Christmas but the overall feel isn’t very festive so it would be appropriate for all of winter.

For some reason, I didn’t love it. I do usually enjoy easy, trauma free books but I found this one almost too juvenile and just a little boring. The characters weren’t bad but it just felt really cheesy and Logan just made me mad for his immaturity. It just wasn’t my favorite.

Thank you to NetGalley for the chance to read an advance copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Ciara McCall · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disliked Harrison so much it was nearly unbearable. Could not comprehend the POV of the woman giving birth and wanting a bunch of strangers on speakerphone to cheer her on????

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC for this from Net Galley in exchange for my review.
Very quick read for me as I finished it in one day. Fun, lighthearted Christmas read. I enjoyed the character crossovers from those on the boat to those waiting.

The birth was a bit unbelievable for me as someone who had 2 babies but everyone is different. The commotion and loudness of all the people would of irritated me during my natural labor but again everyone is different.

I enjoyed seeing where everyone was a year later except the baby was born on Christmas so for Olivia to be excited for her baby sibling her mother said would arrive in October, over 10 months away, didn't make sense to me. They wouldn't know she was pregnant yet.. Overall, a good holiday read.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Debbie Macomber will always be top favorite author. She was the first romance writer that I fell in love with her writing. Every single book has left me a better person. Without harping on it, she reminds us to always be kind to one another.

A Ferry Merry Christmas is filled with such kindness. When a ferry bound for Seattle experiences engine trouble the passengers learn how to lean on each other to make the time pass easier.

[Lisa Goodmurphy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Following the recent passing of the beloved grandmother that raised them, Avery and Reed Bond are planning to spend Christmas together at his home. Their holiday plans take an unexpected turn, however, when the Bremerton-Seattle ferry that Avery is travelling on breaks down in Puget Sound.

While waiting at the ferry terminal for his sister's arrival, Reed makes an unexpected connection with a co-worker who is also waiting for a family member to arrive. On board the ferry, Avery passes the time chatting with a handsome sailor and the other stranded passengers who are initially frustrated with the delay come together to support each other and, in doing so, witness a Christmas miracle.

Sweet, simple, and easy to read, this is a feel-good story about family, community and Christmas spirit with multiple romances woven into the narrative.

[lili · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was interesting! Not my usual style and there were a few too many characters to follow. But it was cute!

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a comfy cozy Christmas read. I hated to see it end.

[Desiree Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow.
December 15, 2025

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Precious book!! I hope to re- read it many times. Around Christmas time, or just when I need a little Happy!! I Loved it!!

[Sb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked A Ferry Merry Christmas! Such a cozy, feel-good story with all the holiday charm I was hoping for. Debbie Macomber just has a way of writing that makes you feel at home. This one definitely left me smiling.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Brenda Engen · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute Christmas book to get me in the holiday spirit.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book among the recent releases at the public library yesterday. I love the Puget Sound and Seattle setting, and I like the interconnected characters. I'm not a fan of repetition, and I thought there were some nearly identical passages. Overall, a fun holiday read.

[Terry Engel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great little story. All the “Christmas Magic” you could want. The spirit of Christmas is strong in this book.