Christmas on Waverly Lane

Waverly Lane #2

by Rachel Hanna, Anne Smith (Narrator)

Shelby Anderson is on the brink of the happiest day of her life—a Christmas Eve wedding to the man of her dreams, Reed, a charming restaurateur. But as the holiday season unfolds, unexpected challenges threaten to turn her perfectly planned day upside down.

While Shelby juggles last-minute wedding details, her friends from the Waverly Lane book club are facing their own holiday surprises. Lacy, a successful romance novelist, is navigating new opportunities that could change everything, while Cami takes a bold step toward her future. Joan, recently reunited with her family, is preparing for a life-changing decision, and Willadeene, the group’s nosy but beloved neighbor, finds herself grappling with the past.

With laughter, love, and a little holiday magic, Shelby and her friends learn that the best gifts don’t always come wrapped in ribbons—they come in the form of friendship, love, and second chances.

Perfect for fans of heartwarming women’s fiction and clean romance, Christmas on Waverly Lane is a feel-good holiday story about the power of community, unexpected twists, and finding joy in the most unlikely moments.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Fiction, Book Club

Audible Audio

First published December 3, 2024

About the author

Hey there! Before I tell you all about myself, can I invite you to join my private Rachel's Readers Facebook group? That's where my readers hang out, discuss my books, participate in giveaways and learn about new releases.

You can join us here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Rache...

So who am I? My name is Rachel Hanna, and I am a wife, mother of three incredible kids (maybe I am a BIT biased?), two lovable doggies and one cat that lives outside and thinks he owns the world. Okay, I also have a gecko now too. Don't judge me.

I started writing as a young child, and I went into the field of Journalism for many years as an adult. Now, as a romantic fiction writer, I get to live out my own daydreams every single day and share them with readers around the world!

I'm a Southern chick living near Atlanta, so I say "yes, ma'm" and "ya'll", but I wouldn't have it any other way. :)

Reviews

[Mary Jackson _TheMaryReader · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved going back to Waverly Lane. The friendships were so much fun. Really great wedding, Swoon worthy Reed. A wedding of my dreams even the funny mishaps. This book had it all.

[Fred Larsson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Randi's Review

For lack of a better word too sappy for me and somewhat redundant . Also predictable and simple - Too many examples of Reed Nd Shelby's wonderful Ness and could have been more intrigueing.

[Kierstyn Skripak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the ending after all she's been through.

[Kristine Wood · Rating 2 out of 5]

I liked the first book better.

[Summer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5✨ So lovely and so sweet. A beautiful followup to the first book.

[Jenna Hackworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh.
I listened to this one and it was like the narrator didn’t take a breath. She was into a different character’s story before I even realized it.

[Suzanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rachel has once again delivered with "Christmas on Waverly Lane." As the second installment in the Waverly Lane series, it continues to captivate. While it's uncertain if more books will follow, I sincerely hope they do. I'm completely hooked on this community and their friendships, and I can't wait to see what happens next.

From the very first page, I was captivated by the heartwarming stories of Shelby, Reed, Cami, Lacy, Joan, and Willadeene. Rachel has a way of weaving together the lives of these characters, making the reader feel as if you are part of their close-knit community. Shelby and Reed's Christmas wedding is beautifully depicted, even though it didn't quite go as planned, it couldn't have been more perfect. Cami's journey of starting over is both inspiring and relatable. Lacy's exciting news and Joan's preparations for her first family Christmas in years add layers of joy and anticipation to the story. And of course, Willadeene, who has an unexpected and unwanted guest, is always a delight who adds a touch of humor. These women are willing to do anything for each other. Their friendship is one that will endure through the ages.

This book is a perfect blend of romance, friendship, and holiday cheer. It's a must-read for anyone looking to get into the festive spirit and enjoy a heartwarming tale of love, friendship and community.

[Patti Reichlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing story! I love this book just like all of Rachel‘s books! Most authors write a love story about two main characters that are young and in love. Rachel gives you an extra story within the story. Shelby and Reed are deeply in love and planning to get married. Things do not go smoothly, but ended up perfect! The story within the story is about two a strange sisters that allow past hurts to control their lives and don’t speak to each other for over 30 years. What time wasted! It makes Willadean into a crotchety old woman but with Shelby‘s love, she befriends Willadean and shows her kindness. Willadean and her sister learned to trust each other and forgive. It’s never too late for forgiveness!

[Alisha Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed my time back with the Waverly Lane gang. There are so many things happening in their lives. I enjoyed a closer look at Willadeen and what made her tick. Her storyline really showed how she got to the closed off woman she is. Hopefully what happens in this book changes her rough around the edges demeanor in the long term.

I loved Shelby and Reed getting their dream wedding even though they had to work through some crazy happenings to get to it. I would love to see them in their next phase of life after where the epilogue leaves off. Unfortunately, I don’t think there are any plans for that which is sad.

[T&S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fantastic book from Rachel Hanna. Definitely a book that you can snuggle up with, under a blanket, fire on with a hot drink on a cool winter evening. I love the focus on the group of friends and their dynamics together. We all want a group of friends like this and by the end of the book I feel sad that it’s not longer so I can spend more time with them! There’s friendship, secrets, romance (clean) and Christmas to enjoy.

In the run up to Christmas treat yourself to this book, then sit back and enjoy!

[Barbara McKee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had this on audio and although I enjoyed the story, having a different narrator than the first Waverly Place kind of through me off, especially in Willadene's gruff voice. I also think this audio needed a bit more editing, as many sentences had space gaps that made listening a bit odd. The narrator's voice was good, just the spacing/pacing.

But I loved the story. Will there be a third? Love interests for Lacy or Cami?

[Kelly Ohnmacht tucker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book from Rachel. The friendships in this book are second to none. These ladies would do anything for one another. Shelby and Reed have an amazing relationship and their wedding was beautiful. And then there is Willadeene……she’s a hoot. She’s lucky to have these ladies as friends.

[Tay Smith · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was nice, however the way that it was written reads more like a Hallmark movie. For me it seemed like there were a lot of points where things were being said in the looks that were shared between the characters, but that was not adequately explained. It would be better if this was a novella, that was part of a larger series

[Nancy N. Phelan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Friends and Famiily

As in all of her books, Rachel Hanna brings friends and family into her books,v which is why I am rating Christ!as On Eagerly Lane a five-star book. Rachel Hannah's books are all entertaining, and I would recommend them to anyone who enjoys reading about friends and family.

[S K · Rating 2 out of 5]

See review for prequel book- same story continues. TBH, not much actually happens in this book. I listened to both as audiobooks, and they have such different narrators. It was little weird to have these drastically different voices and interpretations of the characters, especially Willadeene's character.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

Continuation of The Book Club on Waverly Lane, which I rated 3.75 ⭐️
Both books are simple, sweet and CLEAN romance novels that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I’d give them 4⭐️ if they had more depth, but both are a pleasant change from the vulgar almost pornographic novels that seem to be the norm lately. These books are lovely.

[Emi Dogandjiev · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cozy Rachel Hanna book! I love the themes of neighborhood friendship, romance, and holiday charm. This was definitely cheesy (in a good way!) and I did like the first book better as there was more character development. I hope the author continues this series!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read them all

I have read every single book Rachel Hannah has written. This book was really good. Kept me entertained from beginning to the end. I am excited to see what Rachel comes up with for her next series.

[Mary Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

cheers to happiness

This was just the right book I needed to read. A wonderful story of love, friendship, and surprises. The characters are well developed and you can picture Charleston. A wonderful Christmas read.

[Roxanne Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

beautiful connections

Another great read from Rachel Hanna. Our Waverlt Lane ladies get together to throw a wonderful wedding for Shelby and Reed. So much about connections with family and friends. Such a heartwarming story.

[Tamala Sandrock · Rating 1 out of 5]

So predictable and boring

This book is a real snooze. I just read it because I read the one before of this series. I should have known it would be like the first book. Just because there’s a lot of words does not make them interesting.

[Angela Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

,

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Christmas story

There were typical issues with wedding planning we see how Shelby handles the issues. There are surprises and everything works out

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the fact that this was focused on friendships instead of a budding romance. Delightful

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent Book

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one!💜

[Eileen Loffredo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Something to read related to the holiday season.
Not the worst book I ever read, not the best.
A predictable ending.

[diane crile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas On Waverly Lane

“Christmas On Waverly Lane” is a beautiful story of true friendship and love! What a love story it is! It’s a must read! If you want a magical moment!

[Lynette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Syrupy sugar coated romance. Mind numbing.