Winter's Folly: A Single Dad, Second Chance, Small-Town Beach Romance

by Eliza McJames

Genres: Christian Romance

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2026

About the author

Follow Eliza's inspirational romance with a touch of adventure and intrigue! Fun, flirty, and full of heartfelt moments.

About Eliza McJames

Eliza McJames has always been a storyteller at heart, drawn to tales of love, growth, and resilience.

Her books blend tender romance, inspiring themes, faith, and a dash of adventure and mystery, crafting stories that lift the spirit while keeping readers turning the pages.

She believes love doesn’t need to be explicit to be powerful and writes stories filled with authentic characters, chemistry, and the promise of hope.

When she’s not weaving her next romance, Eliza thrives on life at her small homestead, nestled in the countryside with her big, loving family.

Whether she’s chasing after her grandkids, collecting fresh eggs, or exploring scenic trails on her e-bike or in their jeep with her husband, she’s always finding inspiration in the simple joys of life.

Join her on this journey of love, faith, and adventure!

Reviews

[Star-Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book two in Eliza McJames’ A Seabrook Island Romance series and can be read as a standalone but I suggest reading book one first because characters and events do carry over into this one and I absolutely loved book one. I loved this one too but while book one came across with more humor, sass and hilarious banter between the two main characters, in this one the two main characters have a much deeper relationship from the beginning but get ripped apart continuously making this one have a much more deeper emotional impact. Winter Storm Montgomery and Finn Calder were each others best friends the day they first met and eventually as years passed they fell in love, going off to college together with Finn on a football scholarship but tragedy struck, Finn was injured and his football career came to an end. He then decided he couldn’t be enough for Winter and left her and then made a very bad drunken mistake which gave him his sweet, delightful son Sean. Sean suffers from asthma and other breathing ailments and Finn is praying that his return to Seabrook will be helpful for his young three year old’s breathing and maybe allow Finn to the chance to apologize to Winter and regain her friendship if not more. But there’s one thorn in his side, Sean’s birth mother, Dusty Rae, and Winter’s nemesis since childhood.

The book had me in tears often and just as often I was smiling at the cute antics of Sean, especially with the fainting goats, or from the sweet romance between two close friends whom continually tried to find their way back to each other even when they were their own worse enemies or up against some really tough opponents. Grams continued to give her wonderful wisdom before each chapter which I truly enjoy and all the characters from book one on Seabrook Island are in this one and are continuing to show up, support and pray for each other. The book speaks of God taking something that is broken and turning it into something beautiful and there’s no doubt when you read this book you can see that proved throughout the pages. Forgiveness also plays a big role, sometimes a very hard thing to do but a lifter of burdens when done. This book is over 500 pages but to me it felt as though I could have continued on for many more. The author has a remarkable skill in being able to tell her story without it being repetitive nor lacking in action, intrigue or depth. I did not want to say goodbye to these characters. An absolutely captivating clean faith-based second chance, single dad romance with deep emotional impact that I stayed up way to late reading but loved every moment of it.

I received an Advance Review Copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finn and Winter

While this was beautifully written, descriptive and drew on emotion, I actually found myself truly frustrated.

This has a very religious/Christian vibe, and while it can be a bit grating, it wasn’t too bad. But what frustrated me was all this ‘forgiveness’ talk, and at no time did I see the word sorry pass his lips in regard to the nasty situation that gave him Sean. To expect Winter to forgive him for sleeping with her high school bully, and then getting her pregnant? The man should have been crawling for the entire story. I mean, Winter has the reminder of that in her life, for the rest of her life…
Oh, and the fact that he just left her hanging in the wind, and let everyone think that she dumped him because he lost his chance at going pro…
That was a D… move.
She was ALWAYS his second choice. He humiliated her on repeated occasions, abandoned her repeatedly, allowed a hoebag to disrespect the woman he loves, was planning to marry said hoebag, and she’s all willing to forgive him when she finds out a secret…
Nope… I think it’s my personal preference/style, but this needed a grovel, not a religious verse. No one, no matter how devout, would just accept the c.rap sandwich she’s been fed for 5 or so years.
This ended up being a very messy situation, and while I enjoyed the overall story, I just can’t get over the way everyone just glossed over Finn’s actions and just started to support him… Seriously… where was the loyalty to Winter?

Thanks, Eliza, for the advance copy. Very well written, but I think the way this unfolded made this particular story the wrong one to start with for me. Too much ‘forgiveness’ without much apologising, especially with the trouble that hoebag brought into her life.

[The Book Ssirren · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m on the fence with this one. While it was a clean closed door second chance romance roar was Christian based, the act of forgiveness in this was honestly not the forgiveness that should’ve been given. Finn did terrible things to Winter. In more than one occasion. Then years later he decided to go back apologize? Ask for forgiveness? That’s something that should’ve been done immediately. And after his first wrong doing. I am all for forgiveness, but she should’ve only forgiven him for her own self, not his. I don’t of any one person in their right mind that would allow so much to be done to them, forgive the person years later, and then build a life with them. No thank you. I’m bit big on taking the chance of it happening again. Say sorry, move on.
This story was sweet and well written. The characters were great. And I’m glad that Winter was able to forgive. But I just couldn’t get onboard with someone being that awful ands a woman saying, “that’s okay, you’re forgiven. Let’s get into a relationship…” no thanks.

[TJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

WINTER’S FOLLY by Eliza James is a beautifully written, heartwarming story with wonderful characters and emotional depth that draw you in to a place where love, faith, and forgiveness are firmly rooted in grace and refuse to let go.

The gentleness and unconditional love the MMC shows his asthmatic son, while teaching him important life lessons, will touch your heart. “We don’t let mad steal our air.”

And at times, we could all use a little of Gram’s wisdom —
“Who told you your past mistakes get to decide your future?”

“You can’t heal what you won’t admit still hurts, darlin’, — but once you do, the Lord’s mighty gentle with the mending.”

“The Lord won’t waste a hard road, darlin’, — He’ll use every mile of it to lead you right where you were meant to be.”

And from Lamentations 3 - The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning, great is Your faithfulness.

I was graciously given an ARC and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.
I would definitely recommend this wonderful book!

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romance. It is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone.

Winter and Finn grew up together and found love as teenagers. However, the relationship died when Finn lost his football scholarship after a hit to his knee ended his career and he ended up getting drunk and sleeping with Winter's high school nemesis. He's been gone four years and show up with a son. Can Winter ever forgive him? Can Finn get her back? What happens when his son's mother shows up causing trouble? Will God see them through?

This was a great story. I love the prayer throughout and how it shows us that is God is with us through trials. We need to remember to turn to Him. And, forgiveness is not easy. I like Winter and Finn's relationship. And I love her witty grandma. A long, but good read. Looking forward to the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[MommyO · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story about the ability to move forward in life because of the grace freely given to us through a relationship with our Creator. For Winter, it’s allowing herself to heal and move forward toward a life she no longer thought possible. With regard to Finn, it’s accepting the consequences of his choices while mending relationships that have been fractured. It’s accomplished by leaning into his faith and letting things unfold at its appropriate time. The characters have strong, distinct personalities and the writer does an excellent job of bring them to life. This HEA is written in a dual POV format (my personal favorite) giving the reader a better understanding of each character’s thoughts and emotions. Gram’s insights and words of wisdom at the beginning of each chapter are note worthy and spot on. A wonderful story of second chances.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I must mention Gram's messages/saying at the top of each chapter. Such a wise and comforting lady.
Winter and Finn had grown up together with her brother, Wyatt, making up the threesome. Until an accident put a spanner in their plans and parted them for a number of years. When Finn returns to Seabrook Island, it doesn't always work out as planned, despite wishes of family and friends.
My heart always tears in two when a child suffers from either mental or physical abuse, not detailed in this book. Eliza McJames handled these situations with utmost care with inspirational words and actions. Her scripture quotes and advice from Gram were quoted at the exact moment needed
I experienced a range of emotions while reading, surprise, joy, disappointment, frustration, anger, but finally comforted and at ease.
I received a copy from Booksprout and it is a pleasure to recommend this book.

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a sweet story with heartache and love. These characters had to figure out who they were and whose they were. Every single one of the characters were amazing and I loved them, except for the villain. Eliza did such a great job of creating her that she was very easy to hate, of course forgetting she is a child of God too. The best character was Grams. I am going to go back through the book and write down all her sayings. She was a kick in the pants but so in-tuned to the Lord. I loved her! I really liked Luke too and I am hoping we get to hear his story. I am a sucker for wounded veterans, whether physical or emotional. My heart goes out to them.

“I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.”

[Carolyn Frazier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Folly is a story of more than second chances. There is forgiveness and redemption, although it is not immediate, for past mistakes and misunderstandings. This story has a little bit of everything you could want in a book. Along with hurt, sadness, faith, joy, and laughter, there is even some suspense. The characters are great, especially the adorable three-year-old who is a little charmer. I also found a lot of wisdom and old Southern sayings among the pages.

As I read, I became totally engrossed to the point of being able to picture the surroundings and feel as if I were there. I can honestly recommend Winter's Folly for an enjoyable, inspirational read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lori R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautiful, touching story set on Seabrook Island. I especially liked that it was a second chance story about Finn and Winter and whether or not they could forgive the past and the hurt feelings to have a future together. I liked Grams, Winter's grandmother, who was full of faith and wonderful wisdom, as she tried to help Finn and his three-year-old son, Sean. Grams also helped her granddaughter, Winter too. She was such an integral part of the story with her wisdom. I enjoyed reading her quotes at the beginning of each chapter.
The suspense added so much to the story and had me quickly turning the pages. This is definitely a book I will read again! I received an advance copy of this book, and I willingly chose to write an honest review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Winter’s Folly” by Eliza McJames

-This clean Christian second-chance romance is emotional, faith-filled, and layered with themes of grace, healing, and forgiveness. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Winter and Finn’s history is painful, and while the story handles redemption beautifully, Finn’s past actions may be too difficult for some readers to fully forgive alongside Winter. Gram completely steals the show with her wisdom, scripture-filled guidance, and heartfelt sayings that add warmth and comfort to every chapter.
Despite frustrations with the romance, the strong writing, emotional depth, dual POV, and touching family moments make this a heartfelt and memorable read.

[Joyce Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter runs the Magnolia Inn. She and Finn were sweethearts all through high school and college. Finn grew up in an abusive home. When he was injured on the football field, he didn't think he had anything to offer Winter. At a down moment, Dusty Rae shows up and gets him drunk. A few months later, she says she is pregnant. Finn has been gone for 4 years. He's back on Seabrook Island to work and raise his son. Dusty Rae never had anything to do with him and he wants his son to have a good childhood. Winter doesn't trust him. He hopes to win her friendship at least. Lots of conflict with Dusty Rae. Secrets come out. Danger lurks around the corner. Through it all wounds are healed. Winter and Finn learn that God's grace is enough.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sweet second-chance Christian romance. Interesting sayings from the grandmother begin each chapter. I did not read the first book of this series. May have added to my enjoyment if I recognized the familiar characters but it really didn't matter. I did wish for a wedding gift from the child's mother to be that of nothing happened between her and the main male character. It just appeared that way and she took advantage of it. The author did do a fine job of telling the story and giving us a happily ever after. No need for me to mentally rewrite it. Thanks to Booksprout for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.

[Desiree Luhnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story! I love this book. This second chance, small town story will grab your attention from the prologue and never let you go. There is so much heartache, drama, gossip, flirting and swoony kisses you won’t be able to stop reading. The vicious ex, not ex, (you’ll see) pours more drama into the story that you’ll think “what else can happen” then just when you think they’ll get their happily-ever-after another hit comes from nowhere. There is so much here you won’t be able to stop reading. I can’t wait for the next book.

[Barb K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy to be back on Seabrook Island. The story continues with Winter (who runs the Inn and is Wyatt's sister) and Finn Calder. This is a clean small town contemporary romance. We are back with the characters from Southern Refuge and Grams so if you have been reading Eliza's books, you are back with the family! A sweet story of both Finn and Winter overcoming past and reconnecting to find their happily ever after.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winter's Folly is an amazing story. Even if you have not read Magnolia Inn, you still will be wowed by the characters on Seabrook Island. Finn and Winter were inseparable, until one night when it all changed. Now he is back, with his son Sean, but Winter, even though she is hurting, she still loves her best friend, Finn. There is so much happening on the island and you will be right there, riding the waves. Come join them and stay awhile, you won't regret it. This book will lift you up.
I was given an ARC of this book by the author for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an emotional story about second chances and forgiveness after betrayal. This story will definitely pull your heartstrings as the characters each work through their baggage. It does deal with child abuse (not on page) and infidelity (also not on page). I enjoyed this story, and highly recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donna Idalski · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC (advanced readers copy) and to be honest a quarter way though Chapter 1, I had my doubts I'd like this one. Then I was hooked! I could not put it down. There was something going on all the time. Drama ( in a good way), the characters you remember from other books and introductions to new ones.
I am already looking forward to the next book.

[Tami Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can be read as a standalone but is best if read in order. Characters overlap throughout the series.
Second chance
Single father
Friends to more to Enemies to...
Adorable little boy with medical issues.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jane Culbertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very good story. It encourages forgiveness and not running away when things get hard. This is a second change for Finn and Winter. Trouble starts from the beginning. Great characters and a healthy ending that is amazing.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so well written it got me searching out all related books by the author and I’m now on a McJames Read-A-Thon. Interesting characters, great location, lots of twists and turns and compelling circumstances. I’m adding this author to my favorites list.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW so many secrets and twists in this one. So incredibly heart wrenching. Had me sobbing the ugly cry more than a few times. Loved it. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.