Harbor Lights Christmas: A Sweet Later in Life Grumpy Sunshine Christmas Romance

by Nina Potter

A grumpy retired lighthouse keeper. A sunshine bookstore owner. A Christmas that changes everything.

Tom Brennan has sworn off holiday magic. Three years after losing his beloved wife, the retired lighthouse keeper moved to Silver Sound, Alaska, to escape memories—not make new ones. When the town needs someone to string Christmas lights around the harbor, Tom agrees to handle the technical work. Nothing more.

Melody Reeves believes in the power of twinkling lights and community spirit. The bookstore owner has built a cozy haven with Between The Lines, but her own heart remains carefully guarded. When she's paired with Silver Sound's most stubborn bachelor for the lighting project, she expects resistance. She doesn't expect the gentle man hiding behind his gruff exterior.

But Christmas has a way of illuminating hidden truths. As they work side by side under Alaska's winter stars, Tom and Melody discover that some lights shine brightest in the darkness—and that love, like hope, has a way of finding even the most wounded hearts.

Fans of Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, and Brenda Novak will treasure this heartwarming romance that proves it's never too late for a second chance at love.

A sweet 30-minute Christmas romance you can read while sipping hot cocoa by the fire.

Set in Silver Sound, Alaska—the charming small town from the Love in Alaska series where romance blooms even in the coldest winters.

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 10, 2025

Reviews

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Harbor Lights Christmas” by Nina Potter

-A sweet, later-in-life romance that shines with warmth and second chances. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Tom, the grieving loner, meets Melody, the cheerful bookstore owner full of light. Their differences melt away as they work together on the town’s festival.

A cozy, heartfelt story of healing, hope, and unexpected love at Christmas.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

A later in life romance. Tom and Melody are drafted to work on the harbor lights together. Tom is the technician while Melody brings the vision. Together they can make something beautiful in more ways than one. Great story.

I received this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Linda Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in a new series “Christmas in Silver Sound” by Nina, set in the Alaskan town, like the Love in Alaska series. It’s Melody and Tom’s story of connection, as they prepare the harbour lights for Christmas. It’s an interesting and entertaining later-in-life story. Recommend this series, each book can be read as a standalone, in any order.

[Saundra Callender · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish this had been a longer book. I would have loved to have seen more of Melody and Tom's story. But I really enjoyed it. I could see this being a Hallmark movie. Seeing the light display that they created together would have been amazing.

[Ashley Spigner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute & cozy

I loved this short and sweet Christmas novella. Proving there is something special if you just learn to open your heart to it.