Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn

by Amy Rafferty

One betrayal. One beachfront inn. One Christmas that changes everything.When 56 year old Holly Bennett discovers her husband’s affair with her best friend, 35 years of marriage vanish in an instant. Five months later, with divorce papers filed and her twelve-year-old granddaughter in her care, Holly is barely holding it together. But a faded brochure tucked into an old desk drawer offers her something she didn’t think she’d find again—a way forward.

The Christmas Inn on Anastasia Island is wrapped in a century of traditions and twinkle lights, but behind its charm is a family fighting to save it. Jack Christmas is a divorced innkeeper trying to hold onto the legacy that’s slipping through his fingers. What he doesn’t expect is a guest like Holly—fierce, wounded, and quietly brilliant—who might just help him restore more than the inn.

As candlelit carols echo down cobbled streets and the Nights of Lights festival sets the town aglow, Holly and Jack discover a connection they weren’t looking for—and a chance at love neither of them saw coming. But when the woman who shattered Holly’s life returns, and the future of the inn is threatened, everything they’ve built is on the line.

Set against the coastal magic of St. Augustine, this emotionally rich, slow-burn holiday romance is filled with healing, hope, and the kind of second chances that only happen when you finally let go of the past.

Read Book 1 now and unwrap a love story that proves some gifts don’t come wrapped in ribbon—they arrive when you least expect them, exactly when you need them most.

Genres: Holiday, Romance, Christmas

280 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 30, 2025

About the author

Amy Rafferty writes uplifting, clean romance filled with heart, healing, and the kind of hope that lingers long after the last page. Known for her coastal settings, later-in-life heroines, and unforgettable family bonds, Amy's books offer second chances and emotional journeys wrapped in love and mystery. When she’s not dreaming up her next story, she’s sipping tea by the sea and treasuring time with her family.

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Reviews

[Vickie Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story about Christmas magic at The Christmas Inn.

[Toni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and heartwarming

The only negative thing I can say is that not all is wrapped up in book one. It was a big book about hopes and dreams of two families coming together for a greater purpose we all hope we can find in life. Loved it. Cried and smiled through my tears.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One betrayal. One beachfront inn. One Christmas that changes everything.

When 56-year-old Holly Bennett discovers her husband’s affair with her best friend, 35 years of marriage vanish in an instant. Five months later, with divorce papers filed and her twelve-year-old granddaughter in her care, Holly is barely holding it together. But a faded brochure tucked into an old desk drawer offers her something she didn’t think she’d find again—a way forward.

The Christmas Inn on Anastasia Island is wrapped in a century of traditions and twinkle lights, but behind its charm is a family fighting to save it. Jack Christmas is a divorced innkeeper trying to hold onto the legacy that’s slipping through his fingers. What he doesn’t expect is a guest like Holly—fierce, wounded, and quietly brilliant—who might just help him restore more than the inn.

As candlelit carols echo down cobbled streets and the Nights of Lights festival sets the town aglow, Holly and Jack discover a connection they weren’t looking for—and a chance at love neither of them saw coming. But when the woman who shattered Holly’s life returns, and the future of the inn is threatened, everything they’ve built is on the line.

This Christmas holiday second-chance romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is set against the coastal magic of St. Augustine, with magnificent sunrises and sunsets that are majestically painted in vibrant hues across the sky, and characters Holly Bennett, a guest, who is resilient, fierce, wounded, and quietly brilliant, and Jack Christmas, who is a divorced innkeeper that is wounded, heartbroken, and trying to hold onto his legacy that's slipping through his fingers, who are both captivating and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with healing hearts at the Christmas Inn in lights of St. Augustine, an emotionally rich slow-burn holiday romance is filled with healing, hipe, and the kind of second chances that only happen when you finally let go of the past, readers will unwrap a love story that proves some gifts don't come wrapped in ribbon-they arrive when you least expect them, exactly when you need them most, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, one betrayal, the spirit of Christmas in this magical winter wonderland that is engulfed with love, joy and peace despite both Holly and Jack having trials and tribulations in their lives, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with healing hearts at the Christmas Inn and a second-chance Christmas holiday romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is heartwarming, emotional, and unforgettable.

I received this ARC in exchange for a voluntary review.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great first book of this series. There are two h’s, they are sisters. One is a has her own successful business of restoring antiques, she is recently divorced and is caring for her granddaughter because her son is serving overseas. The other is a lawyer who is taking her first vacation in years. It started when h finds a brochure advertising Christmas Inn and decides it would be good for her and her grandchild to go there to get in the Christmas spirit. Her sister-decides it would be great for her also. The two H’s grew up together and are best friends. One H is the owner of the inn with his family, he is running it. When he meets the grandmother he is immediately drawn to her. The inn is in trouble with a company trying to purchase the inn because he can’t make the loan payments, and the inn needs repairs. His best friend closes his business for a month so he can help with the repairs. When the lawyer and the best friend meet it was not in the best way, but then they do connect. In the end the two h’s end up helping the H’s out. One commits to refurbish the antiques in the inn and the other says yes to legal services. The end of this book is the best. The h’s with the granddaughter go with the H’s to participate in Christmas activities in town and when they return the family has the best surprise, totally unexpected. Can’t wait to read what happens next. Recommend this book to anyone who loves cute Christmas stories which include children who you can’t help but love. Hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Enjoy!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the Lights of St .Augustine series and it is a page turner. After being married for 35 years, Holly Bennett is hit with a divorce since she found out her husband's was having an affair with her best friend. Devastated and shocked, she had to try to hold it together since she also has her granddaughter in her care. She has to get away and get herself together to move on. She finds an old brochure of The Christmas Inn on Anastasia Island and decides this is just the type of traditional inn she and her granddaughter would like. But she didn't know that the innkeeper, Jack Christmas was trying to hold onto the Inn. With Jack being divorced, like Holly, they both had baggage holding them back. But Holly would not let something happen to Jack's legacy and together they worked to restore the inn and make it viable again. And while doing this, could they get through their past hurts? This is a sweet, well written, flowing romance that keeps you turning pages. I highly recommend this book as one of the best written romances I've read. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own..

[Sue Negrillo · Rating 4 out of 5]

St. Augustine Fl.
I loved all the Christmas details, activities and the details of St Augustine. The story moved along well. It just didn’t end well it’s definitely a series but I want to know more.
Holly, going through a divorce takes her granddaughter Trinity who’s dad is deployed and hasn’t been home for 3yrs And her sister a lawyer want to go somewhere for Christmas to have a special one. She finds a brochure on the Christmas Inn so they go.
Jack Christmas runs the Inn with his daughter Jane and mother Julie. The Inn is in financial trouble and Jack calls Logan his friend who was raised at the Inn with his parents.
Jack and Holly run in the morning and began a nice friendship, he confides in her of the trouble the Inn in. She helps with the antiques. Logan asks the sister to help with the foreclosure notice and she dose. Trinity hangs out with Jane and helps her decorate the ballroom the decide to do the winter ball. Isabelle is the chef, when they all get back from the tree lighting the dad surprises Trinity.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet start to a new series. Holly is in the process of a divorce. She is caring for her granddaughter, Trinity while her dad is deployed. Trinity’s mother passed away years ago. Holly is looking for a way to make the holidays special. She books a three week trip to The Christmas Inn, run by Jack, his mom Julie and daughter Jane.

The Inn is facing its own problems, needing renovations and in danger of foreclosure. Charlie, Holly’s sister joins her in the trip.

The trip to the in seems like special magic with strange vibes in the air. Will healing take place? What magic can happen if you believe in Christmas miracles.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Vicki Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn is the first book in the fantastic Lights of St. Augustine Series which focuses on the trip to the Christmas Inn by Holly, newly divorced after finding her husband and best friend in a compromising position, her sister, Charlie, a workaholic attorney, and Trinity, Holly's granddaughter who's father once again will not be present for Christmas due to his job. Their vacation stay is brightened by Jack Christmas, who is part owner of the Christmas Inn, Logan, his best friend, and the wonderful Christmas family. This book makes you believe in finding hope and love found only during the spirit of the Christmas season. I highly recommend this wonderful book.
I received a copy of this book via the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Debbie Eyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love a good heartwarming Christmas read and this one is definitely that! Set on the wonderful island of Anastasia, we find Holly freshly divorced and in need of a change so off to the Christmas Inn she goes with her granddaughter and her sister and there we find Jack the owner who is struggling to keep the inn afloat. There’s definitely a connection as they both work together to save this wonderful inn and start to heal themselves and leave the past in the past and look forward to the future. Of course life throws a few curveballs as it does, there a few surprises, a few struggles but it’s a sweet heartfelt read that has you curled up and leaves you with a smile.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an advanced reader copy.

Holly gets the shock of her life after 35 yrs of marriage her husband & best friend are having affair. As she’s cleaning out his office she finds a brochure for the Christmas Inn. Decided to take her granddaughter Trinity who she has guardianship of. Her father Gabe in is the military. Holly’s sister Charlie also decides she needs a vacation they all go together. 3 weeks at the Christmas Inn.
They meet new friends and get a few surprises. It’s going to be a great vacation.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly decides to leave work early to surprise her husband who was working form home. Little did she know what she’d find! After 35 years of marriage, it all fell apart.

Cleaning out his office, Holly comes across a brochure for Christmas in up in Anastasia Island and decides to take a leap of faith and go for Christmas, taking her granddaughter Trinity with her. Little did she realize all the destinies she’d find there.

Another incredible series by Amy. I can’t wait to see what happens in book 2 of the series.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delivery gets canceled ,leaving the afternoon open for Holly. And, her husband is working from home today. Wow, this hasn't happened in years.So she plans a surprise, except she is the one surprised when she finds her husband in the arms of her best friend.
Devastated she calls her sister, and her sister calls an Attorney and then collects Holly and plans a vacation at the Christmas Tree Inn. The rest is pure magic. Thank you Amy and get me to book #2.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story! Holly, who is in the midst of a divorce, travels to the Christmas Inn in St. Augustine for Christmas. Her granddaughter, Trinity, and her sister, Charlie, also travel to the inn. While there, many surprises of the pleasant kind await them. Join them on their life changing journeys by reading this unputdownable book, which I highly recommend to other romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A magical story that really gets you into the Christmas mood! The descriptions of St. Augustine at Christmas make me want to visit. A fascinating story with strong characters that are facing challenges. By working together they are seeing some of that Christmas magic! I am looking forward to the next book!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in St. Augustine

Christmas is a magical time for many. Sometimes tho, it brings sadness. Memories of those we have lost, left our lives for many reasons.

This first book in what I feel is going to be an amazing series has brought us our first wish granted. I was tears as the ending pages brought happiness.

The story is engaging, the characters are amazing. So many lives by the end of these series I think will be forever changed.

[Rita A. Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Christmas read,

I truly enjoyed reading this book. It was very easy get through the feelings. The characters experience seems so real and so perfect for this time of year. I will hesitate buying the next book as I have spent so much money on books this year and I want to catch up and read some of them that are in my library
I’m sure I will get back to the second book in this series and read it eventually.

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, heartwarming story.

A sweet, heartwarming story filled with magical moments as Christmas approaches. Sadness is replaced by joy as challenges are overcome and wishes come true.  I highly recommend this book and author.

I read this book as part of an advanced reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so excited about this new series at the Christmas Inn! This book was amazing and wonderfully written. I loved the strong characters and getting to know them as the chapters unfolded. This story is so interesting with heartache, drama hope, healing and a second chance at life. A fantastic read, I couldn't put down.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a full length novel, in comparison to past series issues of a storyline over six instalments.
Jack and Holly are both divorced. He is the innkeeper trying to keep a legacy alive and she is the guest lured to the island after finding an old brochure.
It is a slow burn second chance romance between a mature couple who are healing from past experiences. An emotional and heartfelt theme.

[Patti Whitson Stephenson She Lives to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great start to a heart-warming contemporary Christmas series! I love the characters, the beautiful setting, and the sweet and clean romance. It’s fun seeing these characters find their happily-ever-after. This is perfect light reading for the Christmas season.

I voluntarily received a copy of this book from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely heart throbbing, moving with lots of bad situations in life and finding a way to fulfillment and happiness at Christmas. You will be moved from beginning to end. Don't miss out on this tearful collection.

[Sharmani Jayaram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly Bennett wants a new start after the betrayal she experienced and she goes to Anastasia Island where she meets Jack Christmas. A warm-hearted friendship is built in trust between them . A captivating read. I received this ARC copy and recommend this book to other readers.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so vey good!!!!! It is Christmas themed in St. Augustine. The characters are so well developed and the story is so fascinating that I could not put it down. It is full of Christmas Magic and tugs at the heart strings!!!! I can't wait for more.

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome start about Holly and granddaughter and Hollys sister going to an inn and might be finding love with Jack the owner and the problems to solve about the inn. Thank you for this great story.

[B E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holly discovered her husband of May years having an affair with her best friend. Months later with a divorce and her granddaughter in hand she decides to visit the Christmas Inn. Will she and the owner find something neither was looking for as they become friends and more.

[Linda Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Betrayal Lies Infidelity Heartache
This is the first book in a new series
There’s a trip to The Christmas Inn on Anastasia Island for newly divorced Holly, where she meets Jack. Second chance, later in life romance for Holly and Jack.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing hearts

Anther very inspiring story of brokenhearted brokenness healing. The characters in this book are all hurting in one way or another needing a Christmas miracle.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Healing Hearts at the Christmas Inn was such a comforting read. Holly’s journey felt real, and the slow-blooming romance gave me all the cozy Christmas feels.

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Check in and cuddle up. This is another gem from this wonderful author. The romance and mystery that surrounds can’t be beat.
.

[Leslie Blackwood · Rating 3 out of 5]

book review

Although this was a little predictable, it was a good clean romance and I’m anxious to read the next one to see how it ends.