What do you think?
Jonathon Island | Season 2 #9
Find Me in the Silent Night
Some Christmas miracles look like second chances.
She left him behind. He never stopped waiting.
Vanessa MacBride built a life in constant motion—airports, hotels, boardrooms—because standing still means remembering what she lost. When her father's heart attack forces her back to Jonathon Island for Christmas, she's not prepared for the snow-dusted streets, the twinkling lights, or the memories around every corner.
She's definitely not prepared for James Sullivan.
James has spent his whole life trying to be enough—for his demanding father, his accomplished siblings, and a fiancée who left him seven days before their wedding. Now he manages the Grand Sullivan Hotel through its most magical season, surrounded by Christmas wonder and completely alone.
When Vanessa's scheming uncle threatens her family's crumbling resort, James offers to help. Planning the island's Christmas festival together—stringing lights, building the marketplace, organizing the gala—forces them to face everything they've buried. Old wounds. Old sparks. And the terrifying question neither wants to
What if this time, love is worth the risk?
A heartwarming inspirational Christmas romance about coming home, letting go, and discovering that sometimes the person you've been running from is the one you've been searching for all along.
She left him behind. He never stopped waiting.
Vanessa MacBride built a life in constant motion—airports, hotels, boardrooms—because standing still means remembering what she lost. When her father's heart attack forces her back to Jonathon Island for Christmas, she's not prepared for the snow-dusted streets, the twinkling lights, or the memories around every corner.
She's definitely not prepared for James Sullivan.
James has spent his whole life trying to be enough—for his demanding father, his accomplished siblings, and a fiancée who left him seven days before their wedding. Now he manages the Grand Sullivan Hotel through its most magical season, surrounded by Christmas wonder and completely alone.
When Vanessa's scheming uncle threatens her family's crumbling resort, James offers to help. Planning the island's Christmas festival together—stringing lights, building the marketplace, organizing the gala—forces them to face everything they've buried. Old wounds. Old sparks. And the terrifying question neither wants to
What if this time, love is worth the risk?
A heartwarming inspirational Christmas romance about coming home, letting go, and discovering that sometimes the person you've been running from is the one you've been searching for all along.
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 22, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 22, 2026
This was a great way to end Season 2 of the Jonathan Island series. Family is a huge part of this story, with all the bumps and bruises along the way. Forgiveness and learning to move forward is another big part of the story.
We finally get to see the Sullivan family together. I love this family. They have overcome so much adversity and problems in their lives, and are better for it today.
James Sullivan and Vanessa McBride have been thrown together to plan the Christmas festival. They are definitely going to butt heads. They have a past that hurt both parties. It was a joy to see them overcome some of the things of the past and the misunderstandings that came along the way.
Once again this author provides us with a heartwarming story of overcoming adversity, bonding together as family and community to help others, finding strength in faith and forgiveness, as well as a second chance at romance which makes this story a lot of fun to read. The Christmas theme will also put you in the Christmas spirit. You can never go wrong when you visit Jonathan Island through the pages of a wonderful book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
We finally get to see the Sullivan family together. I love this family. They have overcome so much adversity and problems in their lives, and are better for it today.
James Sullivan and Vanessa McBride have been thrown together to plan the Christmas festival. They are definitely going to butt heads. They have a past that hurt both parties. It was a joy to see them overcome some of the things of the past and the misunderstandings that came along the way.
Once again this author provides us with a heartwarming story of overcoming adversity, bonding together as family and community to help others, finding strength in faith and forgiveness, as well as a second chance at romance which makes this story a lot of fun to read. The Christmas theme will also put you in the Christmas spirit. You can never go wrong when you visit Jonathan Island through the pages of a wonderful book.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A sweet story with a second chance at love! Vanessa walked away from James years ago. When she is needed back on Jonathan Island, they work side by side to save her family’s resort. The feelings are still there between them and it doesn’t take much to get them together. I love their chemistry and the tender kisses! I recommend this clean, uplifting romance.
I received a copy of this story. A positive review was not required.
I received a copy of this story. A positive review was not required.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Lisa Jordan’s addition to this series focuses on choices and trust.
James Sullivan and Vanessa MacBride can agree on one thing: nothing about their few days in Jonathon Island turned out the way they’d expected. I loved the journey the author took us on to see how both characters reacted to the unexpected.
Vanessa wonders if coming home might cost her more than staying away ever had. She’s considering the cost of a potential career loss, of facing a former boyfriend, of bringing The MacBride Adventure Resort back to running order and of caring for her father. She learns very valuable lessons: that every choice has a cost and has the potential to shape our lives, either positively or negatively. I loved watching her unravel the hidden choices.
James learns that life’s too short to try to fit into other people’s expectations. He faces a situation where he relies on what others know about his character to trust him - even when it puts his integrity in the spotlight. I love that both characters learn that trust isn’t earned by perfection, but by grace.
If you love ‘family first’ novels where characters face real challenges and learn to work together, this one needs to be on your radar.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
James Sullivan and Vanessa MacBride can agree on one thing: nothing about their few days in Jonathon Island turned out the way they’d expected. I loved the journey the author took us on to see how both characters reacted to the unexpected.
Vanessa wonders if coming home might cost her more than staying away ever had. She’s considering the cost of a potential career loss, of facing a former boyfriend, of bringing The MacBride Adventure Resort back to running order and of caring for her father. She learns very valuable lessons: that every choice has a cost and has the potential to shape our lives, either positively or negatively. I loved watching her unravel the hidden choices.
James learns that life’s too short to try to fit into other people’s expectations. He faces a situation where he relies on what others know about his character to trust him - even when it puts his integrity in the spotlight. I love that both characters learn that trust isn’t earned by perfection, but by grace.
If you love ‘family first’ novels where characters face real challenges and learn to work together, this one needs to be on your radar.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
September 26, 2026
This is a sweet conclusion to the second season of Jonathon Island novels. Finally the last Sullivan sibling- oldest child James- gets his happy ending in a second chance romance with Vanessa MacBride. Their chemistry is undeniable and sweet. There comes a time in the story where you’re going to yell at them- but it’s because you’re so invested in them that you don’t want them to give in to fear. Yelling aside, I loved how these characters have matured since their previous relationship, how passionate they are about their families, and how much hard work they pour into each other. I also really enjoyed their relationships with their fathers throughout. James’ relationship with his dad has always been a bit stormy, but they both really grow in this story and come out the other side. Not without major conflicts, but it was especially rewarding. Vanessa’s relationship with her father sort of parallels James’. She struggles with feeling needed and appreciated, when really they just need to learn to understand each other’s point of view.
The sweet romance and the deep family dynamics made for a great read. If you love unique small towns, don’t miss this series! As an added bonus, you’ve got all the cozy Christmas vibes in this one!
I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not required to review. My opinions are my own.
The sweet romance and the deep family dynamics made for a great read. If you love unique small towns, don’t miss this series! As an added bonus, you’ve got all the cozy Christmas vibes in this one!
I received a complementary copy of this book from Sunrise Publishing. I was not required to review. My opinions are my own.
September 26, 2026
Vanessa, a freelance business consultant reaching for independent success, puts her ambitions on hold when she is summoned back to Jonathon Island when her father, an iconic resident, suffers a life-threatening heart attack. In an ironic twist, it is James, her high-school boyfriend, who makes the call. However, eighteen years have passed, and their mutual attraction must be over, right?
Ms Jordan adds extra complications to Vanessa’s temporary visit as she is ‘forced’ to work closely with James, planning the final festival of the year, while trying to save the neglected MacBride resort from a hostile takeover, and also dealing with her stubborn father.
Vanessa is depicted as a fiercely independent character who nevertheless looks for approval and love. James, by contrast, follows his father’s rules…until he doesn’t!
The frequent ‘will they, wont they’ incidents, Vanessa’s quick-to-take-offence attitude and James’ passive compliance made me impatient with them at times; however, as always, Jonathon Island’s iconic ambience welcomes the reader into the anticipation and excitement of the successful celebrations and romances. I read this as a review copy and have given my voluntary opinion.
Ms Jordan adds extra complications to Vanessa’s temporary visit as she is ‘forced’ to work closely with James, planning the final festival of the year, while trying to save the neglected MacBride resort from a hostile takeover, and also dealing with her stubborn father.
Vanessa is depicted as a fiercely independent character who nevertheless looks for approval and love. James, by contrast, follows his father’s rules…until he doesn’t!
The frequent ‘will they, wont they’ incidents, Vanessa’s quick-to-take-offence attitude and James’ passive compliance made me impatient with them at times; however, as always, Jonathon Island’s iconic ambience welcomes the reader into the anticipation and excitement of the successful celebrations and romances. I read this as a review copy and have given my voluntary opinion.
September 21, 2026
This was the perfect end for this series! It concludes the second season of the Jonathan Island books. It’s definitely going to make the holidays brighter!
Vanessa left home after her mom passed and very rarely returns to visit. But when her father has a massive heart attack she has no choice but to go back home. But home is falling apart.
James is working as the manager of the family Grand Hotel, a property that has been a part of the Sullivan family legacy. But his father is reluctant to let go of the reins, leaving him feeling inadequate.
When the two former teens in love are forced into working side by side, sparks begin flickering between the two. An outside force threatens to take the family property Vanessa and her sisters.
Can they plan the island Christmas festivities, repair the MacBride resort property and avoid catching feelings? You’ll have to read to find out! And have tissues on hand!
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Vanessa left home after her mom passed and very rarely returns to visit. But when her father has a massive heart attack she has no choice but to go back home. But home is falling apart.
James is working as the manager of the family Grand Hotel, a property that has been a part of the Sullivan family legacy. But his father is reluctant to let go of the reins, leaving him feeling inadequate.
When the two former teens in love are forced into working side by side, sparks begin flickering between the two. An outside force threatens to take the family property Vanessa and her sisters.
Can they plan the island Christmas festivities, repair the MacBride resort property and avoid catching feelings? You’ll have to read to find out! And have tissues on hand!
I received an advance copy from the publisher. I’m under no obligation and my review has not been solicited. Highly recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Find Me In the Silent Night might just be my favorite Lisa Jordan book yet. This book had it all … Forced proximity, second chances, misunderstandings, and a family feud, all wrapped up with a happily ever after bow.
James Sullivan has worked tirelessly to become the manager of the Grand Hotel. He is convinced that nothing he does will ever be enough.
Vanessa McBride left Jonathon Island and James behind years ago. When she returns to the island after her father suffers a heart attack she comes face to face with the man she never stopped loving.
When James and Vanessa wind up working together on the Christmas Festival they have to confront their past while their hearts long for a future.
I really enjoyed James and Vanessa’s story. They each learn a lot about themselves and about what’s important along the way.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
James Sullivan has worked tirelessly to become the manager of the Grand Hotel. He is convinced that nothing he does will ever be enough.
Vanessa McBride left Jonathon Island and James behind years ago. When she returns to the island after her father suffers a heart attack she comes face to face with the man she never stopped loving.
When James and Vanessa wind up working together on the Christmas Festival they have to confront their past while their hearts long for a future.
I really enjoyed James and Vanessa’s story. They each learn a lot about themselves and about what’s important along the way.
I received an arc of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Find me in the Silent Night was a sweet round-up of Jonathan Island season 2. I loved how this season focused on the Sullivan family and brought reconnections, healing and restoration to broken relationships.
Vanessa and James clearly had a connection and feelings for one another, but they allowed pressure, misunderstandings and insecurities from fully developing that relationship. Only when they were able to face their fears, they were able to really move forward.
I enjoyed the relationship of the MacBride Sisters and how they supported each other, but also challenged each other when required. I am glad to see that their stories will continue in Jonathan Island season 3.
A sweet contemporary story around Christmas time for those readers who enjoyed a sweet Christmas setting.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Vanessa and James clearly had a connection and feelings for one another, but they allowed pressure, misunderstandings and insecurities from fully developing that relationship. Only when they were able to face their fears, they were able to really move forward.
I enjoyed the relationship of the MacBride Sisters and how they supported each other, but also challenged each other when required. I am glad to see that their stories will continue in Jonathan Island season 3.
A sweet contemporary story around Christmas time for those readers who enjoyed a sweet Christmas setting.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.*
September 22, 2026
This story was a wonderful way to wrap up season 2 of the Jonathon Island series. Here, the Sullivan family is finally officially reunited, and James Sullivan gets his spotlight. The love story between James and Vanessa is one of healing and forgiveness, a message Lisa Jordan presented beautifully. I loved the introduction of new characters and the revisitation of old favorites I have come to know over the course of this series. This island and her families have developed a home in my imagination, and I cannot wait for season 3!
I have truly enjoyed this entire series, and Jordan has created a tender, hopeful, and heartwarming conclusion to this season. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I have truly enjoyed this entire series, and Jordan has created a tender, hopeful, and heartwarming conclusion to this season. I highly recommend it!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
September 23, 2026
Find Me in the Silent Night is the ninth book in the second season of the multi-author Jonathan Island series, written by Lisa Jordan. Each one of these books has been even better than Hallmark. And this one did not disappoint.
James Sullivan has come back to the island to help restore the Grand Hotel. He has been managing it. Vanessa MacBride returns to the island after her father’s heart attack and tries to help her father restore the family resort. But her uncle, Ryan MacBride, who destroyed the Sullivans’ family, is trying to cause more of a mess and take over the family resort. Ryan always seems to be stirring up trouble.
James offers to help Vanessa out, while they both work on hosting the Christmas festival together.
This story is the perfect read. I loved getting to check in on some of the past beloved characters and see where they’re at in life.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
James Sullivan has come back to the island to help restore the Grand Hotel. He has been managing it. Vanessa MacBride returns to the island after her father’s heart attack and tries to help her father restore the family resort. But her uncle, Ryan MacBride, who destroyed the Sullivans’ family, is trying to cause more of a mess and take over the family resort. Ryan always seems to be stirring up trouble.
James offers to help Vanessa out, while they both work on hosting the Christmas festival together.
This story is the perfect read. I loved getting to check in on some of the past beloved characters and see where they’re at in life.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book, which I received from the author. A positive review was not required. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
September 29, 2026
What a great way to wrap up Season 2 of Jonathon Island with a Christmas Story! We get to meet James Sullivan, big brother who dreams of running the Grand! His relationship with his dad is rocky, always trying to prove himself as "good enough". Vanessa MacBride was the girl who got away and family relationships made life difficult. When her dad has a heart attack, she comes home and promises to save the family Resort and get it running again. The problem is, she also rekindles a spark with James, yet they are competitors. And her Uncle Ryan, who was once James' step-dad, wants to take the property away from her and her family. Can the relationship survive the storm and can they save the property? All while the town is trying to celebrate Christmas!
October 4, 2026
Season two of Jonathon Island has wrapped up with another wonderful story set at Christmastime. The winter setting and the Christmas atmosphere were comforting and refreshing. It was so fun (and at times a little sad and frustrating) to see James and Vanessa working together as they tried to plan the Christmas festival and fight back against Ryan. I’m glad that characters from previous books also made an appearance. I highly recommend this book and I am looking forward to season three!
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book for the publisher. A positive review was not required, and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a delightful Christmas read on Jonathan Island. James and Vanessa have history. The two of them are thrown together to direct a Christmas festival. Find Me in the Silent Night has close proximity, faith, romance, tension, a family feud, saving a resort from a not-so-good family member, and family dynamics. James has to learn it's not about being perfect, and Vanessa has to learn it's okay not being able to fix everything and it's okay to ask for help. This fantastic book has a pleasant surprise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 22, 2026
Christmas on Jonathon Island? Yes, please! I’ll return to one of my favorite literary destinations any time of the year but being there at Christmas is even more special.
Vanessa and James are caught in the middle of a long-standing family feud, but their determination to put the past behind them is just the ticket to forgiving and forgetting, not only for them but also their families. And the sparks between them are brighter than the Christmas lights!
I loved all the references to so many past Jonathon Island couples. Made me want to read the whole series all over again!
Vanessa and James are caught in the middle of a long-standing family feud, but their determination to put the past behind them is just the ticket to forgiving and forgetting, not only for them but also their families. And the sparks between them are brighter than the Christmas lights!
I loved all the references to so many past Jonathon Island couples. Made me want to read the whole series all over again!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Season two comes to an end with a Christmas to remember on Jonathon Island.
James and Vanessa are both back on the island trying to say repair the relationships with their fathers and save their families properties.
Can their relationship be revived and the family feud resolved? Not if Ryan MacBride has any say in it.
This was a sweet story about grace, forgiveness and legacy.
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
James and Vanessa are both back on the island trying to say repair the relationships with their fathers and save their families properties.
Can their relationship be revived and the family feud resolved? Not if Ryan MacBride has any say in it.
This was a sweet story about grace, forgiveness and legacy.
I was given a copy of the book. The opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a great ending to this series season 2. It was so sweet, charming, heartwarming book. I loved James’ eldest Sullivan sibling, who returned to Jonathon Island to help manage the Grand Sullivan Hotel. Getting to see Daniel Sullivan in a different light was interesting. . We saw a different side of his father Daniel and how he was hard on James as eldest son, but he trusted him even though it doesn’t seem that way at first. I really liked Vanessa, she was a new to us character. She came home from her consulting firm to save her family's resort while her father recovers from heart surgery after a heart attack just before she is back on island. Loved seeing all the Sullivan siblings, Ashley, Kate, Oliver, Zach, and Dani. Dani was my first favorite of course she was the first Sullivan introduced in season 1 so a little bias. I do hope in season 3 we still see the Sullivan’s and Jonathon’s. We are needing some updates on couples who were engaged. ;) All in all, 10 out of 10 for this book and all season. Thank you Sunrise Publishing for the honor to read this series this season.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are all my own.
October 4, 2026
Review to come
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Jonathon Island - a great place to find love, second chances and new beginnings. Join James and Vanessa as they struggle with family relationships, self discovery and past decisions. Definitely worth the read. This book was provided by Sunrise Publishing for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I've been looking forward to James' story and I enjoyed getting to know the eldest Sullivan sibling who returned to Jonathon Island to help manage the Grand Sullivan Hotel. His history with his parents was different from his younger siblings' and it was interesting to see his perspective. We saw a different side of his father Daniel and his mother Becky through James' eyes and the reconciliation that needed to happen on multiple levels amongst all the family members showed just how broken and fractured the entire family was. James' loyalty, seriousness, and tenderness, especially with children, showcased how much he had grown in the years he'd been away from the island. Vanessa was a strong, independent, and stubborn woman determined to save her family's resort and thwart her conniving uncle's plans. It was lovely to catch up with Ashley, Kate, Oliver, Zach, and Dani during this visit. Tyler was missed but updates with his princess were sprinkled throughout the story and appreciated. The Christmas Festival was delightful and I loved seeing the island decked out for Christmas.
Season Two was fun with the entire Sullivan clan. I'm sure Season Three will allow us to meet other families who are rebuilding Jonathon Island into a premier destination. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Season Two was fun with the entire Sullivan clan. I'm sure Season Three will allow us to meet other families who are rebuilding Jonathon Island into a premier destination. I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Sunrise Publishing and was under no obligation to post a positive comment. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Vanessa MacBride has a busy life--but that's fine with her, because then she does not have to think about her family and all that she has lost with the death of her mother. When she receives the news that her father has had a heart attack, she and her sisters return to Jonathon Island and realize just how hard it has been for their father to keep up their resort since their mother's death. In fact, Vanessa's uncle, Ryan MacBride, has made it clear that he wants to take over the resort, but Vanessa wants nothing to do with him. Enter James Sullivan, current manager of the Grand Hotel and rival of the MacBride family. James and Vanessa have history, but now both have something to prove to their fathers. Will they be able to work together to save the MacBride resort, or will old wounds get in the way? I love a second chance romance story, and this one did not disappoint! A perfect ending to season 2 of Jonathon Island.
I received and advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received and advance copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews