New Beginnings at the Christmas Inn

by Amy Rafferty

A heart once lost. A love long buried. A reunion twenty-eight years in the makingTwo days after Christmas, three women arrive at the beloved Christmas Inn — carrying heartbreak, hidden truths, and a name that unknowingly connects them all.

For world-class trauma surgeon Eve Reynolds, this New Year’s retreat in St. Augustine is a last hope. Her chosen family — brilliant but grieving Mia Gray, and Mia’s quietly gifted daughter Lila — need healing no hospital can provide. But the magic of the Inn has a way of revealing what the heart has long buried.

When a mysterious stranger with a kind smile keeps appearing just when Eve needs him most, she’s drawn into a past she never saw coming — and a romance she thought she’d long forgotten. Mia begins to piece together memories she never knew she had. And Lila? She may hold the final clue that ties them all together.

As secrets surface and love reignites, the Lights of St. Augustine series reaches its heartwarming, unforgettable conclusion.

If you crave emotional healing, second chances, and clean holiday romance with soul-deep love and found family, grab your copy today and rediscover the power of starting over.

Don’t miss the powerful finale of the beloved Lights of St. Augustine series. Whether you’ve followed every love story from the start, or are discovering the Christmas Inn for the first time — this unforgettable fifth book will leave your heart full, your spirit lifted, and your soul believing in second chances. Start reading today.

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 22, 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.

I always love to hear from you and get your feedback. Email me at books@amyraffertyauthor.com and Follow Me on Amazon. https://amazon.com/author/amyrafferty

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Reviews

[Susan]

A heart once lost. A love long buried. A reunion twenty-eight years in the making. Two days after Christmas, three women arrive at the beloved Christmas Inn — carrying heartbreak, hidden truths, and a name that unknowingly connects them all.

For world-class trauma surgeon Eve Reynolds, this New Year’s retreat in St. Augustine is a last hope. Her chosen family — brilliant but grieving Mia Gray, and Mia’s quietly gifted daughter Lila — need healing no hospital can provide. But the magic of the Inn has a way of revealing what the heart has long buried.

When a mysterious stranger with a kind smile keeps appearing just when Eve needs him most, she’s drawn into a past she never saw coming — and a romance she thought she’d long forgotten. Mia begins to piece together memories she never knew she had. And Lila? She may hold the final clue that ties them all together.

This contemporary second-chance Christmas romance is the powerful finale of the beloved Lights of St. Augustine series that will leave readers' hearts full, their spirits lifted, and their souls believing in second chances. The world-building is exceptional in St. Augustine, where the lights are shining bright, the sunrises/sunsets are majestically painted across the sky in vibrant hues, and the characters are resilient, independent, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with new beginnings at the Christmas Inn, emotional healing, clean holiday romance with soul-deep love and found family that is a winter wonderland that is engulfed by the magic of Christmas, the power of starting over, chaos/drama, heartfelt emotions/emotional depth, secrets surface, love reignites, heartwarming, action, adventure, and an unforgettable conclusion in a magical winter wonderland that is sure to transport readers into a world that is magical, joyous emotional and unforgettable. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with new beginnings at the Christmas Inn and a Christmas second-chance romance that is sure to transport readers into a world of love and loss with emotions running high, and that is unforgettable.

[Mary Ann Speel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The last great book in this great series, once you start reading you don’t want to stop. The three heroines are staying at the Christmas Inn after being invited by a long time friend of one of the heroines who is a well known skilled surgeon who has connections to St. Augustine but doesn’t remember. Her mother was best friends with the oldest of the heroines who is a world renowned surgeon, who is looked upon as being an adopted aunt. The teenage daughter calls the oldest of the heroines aunt. At the inn the middle h connects with another guest, a second H, who is a photographer and they spend time together as he teaches her about photography, while they slowly fall in love. The oldest h and the youngest h spend their time searching for clues as to why the middle h doesn’t remember living at St. Augustine. Her mother, the oldest h’s best friend never mentioned it either. As their search begins they literally run into the H and they notice each other. The H needs to stay away from the hs for their own safety. The hs in their search connect with a young man, the third H, who gets involved in their search. He has access to places they don’t and he helps them. In the end after twists and turns they put clues together and close in on the truth but before they do the H is captured by the his arch enemy, who he is looking to prove guilty of major crimes and capture him. The oldest h is forced go to the H and when the two other hs and Hs find out they go after her. As they pursue her the youngest h directs them to the housing development where the youngest H can get them into. There all comes together and the youngest h and H foil the arch enemy using the book her mother wrote. All Hs and hs get their HEA. Great book of intrigue and romance. Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Enjoy!

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! The 5th book in this series is packed full of page turning mystery and romance with good guys, lots of secrets and bad guys. We are back at the Christmas Inn with some new guests. Dr. Eve Reynolds, Dr. Mia Gray and her daughter, Lila were invited for rest, relaxation and recuperation by Uncle William who lives in St. Augustine. The absolute need for this respite was because Eve who was a close friend to Mia's deceased mother and keeps an eye on Mia and Lila saw that Mia was on a downturn since having lost a child on the operating table. So convinced by Eve and Lila to take this trip, with the urging of William, things both sinister, twisted and romantic, danger, puzzles and even a kidnapping takes place. This is a page turner that you just can't put down. I was so happy to see another Christmas Inn book and hope there will be new visitors to the Inn with their own stories. It was great to see the regulars at the Inn as well. I highly recommend this series and this fifth book is amazing! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, second chance, found family, later-in-life, romance with a touch of mystery and suspense no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Ninety-nine percent against us still leaves one percent to work with,” --- the universe has a funny way of sorting things out, and life likes to throw some curve balls at you. It’s up to you how you handle it.” --- “Luck is just preparation meeting opportunity,” ---
Who's after Eve, Mia and Lila and why are they after them? What's Preston up to? What's Calvin up to? What does William know? These and other questions will all be answered.
I love the romances blooming between Eve and David, Mia and Nolan and Lila and Brian and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and I can't wait to read her next book.

[Paula Corregan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful ending to the Christmas Inn series. It introduces the reader to a whole new set of characters, both good and bad. Eve, her best friend Mary's daughter, Mia and Mia's teenage daughter, Lila, come to the Christmas Inn seeking peace and relaxation, especially Mia who had a traumatic experience back in Los Angeles. Not only do they find those things, but they are also drawn into danger that is connected to something in Mia's past. They also find love during their stay at the Inn. Will they be able to escape the danger surrounding them unscathed? Find out by reading this unputdownable book, which I highly recommend to other mystery/ romance readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

We’re back at the Christmas Inn, but with new characters. Mia had a very traumatic experience and her daughter, Lila and aunt, Eve decide they need to get away from LA and breath. It happens that William Moore is Mia’s uncle, so the decision is made to go to St. Augustine and stay at the Christmas Inn.

Memories start creeping into Mia’s dreams/nightmares, Eve and Lila go hunting to see what really happened when Mia was eight. Along the way several budding romances form that are also dangerous. The mystery of Mia’s early years is intense, but you’ll just have to read this wonderfully crafted story to see what happens and how it all comes together.

[Jan Tomalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a joyful surprise to out there was a book 5 in this series! There are a few new characters in this book but we are back at the Christmas Inn where we also meet up again with some of the previous characters. There is more intrigue and more danger and they don’t know who they can trust. I can never figure out how it will all work out. I have loved this entire series! Ms. Rafferty really knows how to keep you turning the pages and wanting more of her stories!
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however, I voluntarily wrote an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.

[Anne Ogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what an ending

I liked having Mae,Lila, and Eve needing to get away from California and accepting an invite to St.Augustine for New Years.
After arriving and checking into The Christmas Inn, Mae finds herself interested in Nolan. While Mae goes off with Nolan to do some photography,, Eve and Lila go exploring St.Augustine. When Eve and Lila can't get into.the Historical Society as it was closing they become irritated. Brian the young waiter at the Inn tells him he will go with them the next day and can be sure they get in as his grandparents run it. There is a lot going on behind the scenes. Lots of twists and turns I was not expecting

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with all previous books I have read by this author, I found it hard to put down. Becoming close and involved in the lives with each and every character, it is very similar to watching and living each moment with your own close loved ones. Their joyous moments as well as all their challenges lead you down an emotional path that keeps you tied in knots as well as having the ups and downs of their daily lives. My enjoyment was just bursting with each turn of events. Don't miss a single volume ot this book set. You will be so glad you were here.

[Pam Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new cast of characters comes to the Christmas Inn. Dr. Mia Gray- and her mother’s friend Dr Eve Reynolds, plus Mia’s daughter Lila arrive at the Christmas Inn at the invitation of “uncle” William. Mia is devastated by the tragic loss of a young patient.

Lots of mystery and secrets plus secret identities fill the pages of this book. Who can be trusted? What is the relationship between characters? Who may have a second chance?

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

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

I have enjoyed reading all the “Christmas Inn” books and this one was a welcome surprise addition to the series. The characters in this book had compelling stories, and the mystery that builds throughout the book was well-paced and intriguing. The Inn made a perfect setting for the story and it was fun seeing characters from the previous books make appearances throughout the storyline. Although you can enjoy this book without having read any of the others, I would recommend reading the whole series.

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

[Linda S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I started this series thinking that it would be a cute book to fill in some reading time around the holidays. Once I started the series I could not stop. I lived near St. Augustine for a few years and Amy was able to transport me back there. The first four books were full of happy endings and I could not finish one without picking up another.

But this one...well it was not quite as predictable as the others. The mystery kept me guessing until the end. (Although, if you read the first four books...they turn out rather unpredictably as well.) Thanks to Amy for writing this fun book!

[Dianne Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal book and series!

An absolutely phenomenal book with mystery and romance cleverly intertwined into a story that is captivating. I love the strong, fearsome women and the brave men that step up to help protect them. I love all the books in the series, but Book 5 is my personal favorite. I highly recommend this book, series and author.

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

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about Mia, Eve and Lila and a ? relative William who invites them to the Christmas Inn on Christmas Island where he lives close by . They arrive a few days after Christmas. There is so much going on in this story, that anything I write would be a spoiler. So this is a must read . In fact it is the 5th. book in the series The Christmas Inn . It is a GREAT SERIES. You really should start with BOOK !.

[Bernie · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are now provided with the last chapters in the Inn's walls. Christmas is supposedly a magical time. The new guests have come for a chance to relax and enjoy the peace it offers. Time has a way of catching up with people and things, before we know or expect it. A fitting end to everything the inn has stood for ..the drama, the secrets, the love lost and found beneath the mystery and suspence.

[Deborah K DeLaVina · Rating 5 out of 5]

New beginnings

An absolutely amazing piece of work by Amy Rafferty! It is filled with so much energy that it was really hard to put down. I loved how everything unfolded and the way it was filled with emotion, adventure, intrigue and the love of family & friends. The secrets unfold as they were predicted in a book. Now hopefully they will be able to continue their journey together.

[Roslyn Simonin Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amy does it again.
What an amazing story back at the Christmas Inn.
A 28 year old mystery unfolds before our eyes, (again reading on the edge of my chair, with Kleenex in hand).
Love, Mystery, Love, Danger and then after 28 years it all comes together.
What a story.
A MUST READ!!!! THANK YOU AMY!!!!

[Anne Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Must Read

All five of these books are wonderfully written, impossible to put and such delightful people you feel like they are with you as you read. Do not miss a word of these books, because every word leaves you compelled to read the rest. Amy Rafferty, you did good. This series makes reading what it should be.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton]

What a treat! More books and new characters at the Christmas Inn. More second chances, healing, emotion, drama, mystery and of course more love and romance. A festive and fun story to warm your heart. A wonderfully entertaining story with delightful characters. I loved this story and all of the series book covers. From start to finish this was an amazing read and I'm ready for more!

[DeeDeeWReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mystery, Intrigue, and New Beginnings

Welcome back to the Christmas Inn, it’s almost New Years Eve. Some old characters we already love and some new ones that will grab your heart too.

This was an amazing read and I couldn’t put it down at times. I loved watching the story develop and the characters come together.

[Melonie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! I could not put it down! I was so happy for one more book. Amy at her best! This is my favorite series! I can't wait to see what she writes next. The characters steal you heart and the suspense is off the page!!!!

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

simply WOW,

What a fantastic story full of secrets and intrigue! Just when you think you have the storyline figured out another whammy hits you! The characters were described in such detail, they became my best friends and I walked alongside them! Five stars!

[Barbara Kaake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great story about Eve and Mia and Lila and Mia not remembering what happen in her childhood and the mysteries surrounding the past and the end figuring it out with suspense and drama. Thank you for this awesome story.

[Isabel Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous book. A beautiful Christmas tale.It's a pleasure to read it

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as an arc.
This has got to be one of the best stories I’ve read. Amy knocked it out of the park with this book. Drama, suspense, mystery, lots of love & laughter.

[B E · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one pretty much is a stand alone. Lots of twists and turns with danger, mystery and romance. Another great book.

[Lisa L · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I loved this installment.
It’s a great series to curl up to.

[Anne Stefanoski · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely read for the holiday season or for any time of the year. A bit of magic? A lot of interesting characters and a great story line. Great series.

[Loretta L Camp · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best yet!

Love this series - but this book had it all- mystery-suspense-romance- intrigue. You do not want to miss this one.

[Pam Bridger · Rating 5 out of 5]

great series!!

I Thoroughly enjoyed this series. I read the last 3 in one day each, and I
Can’t wait to read more of your books.