Christmas on Goose Island

The Southern Isles #5

by Laurie Beach

What if you woke up knowing the exact date and time you would die?

Dorothea Boone is no sissy. She knows full well that her amateur prognostications aren’t always spot-on, but this one has her reeling—especially since it was clear that she might drop dead early Christmas morning. So, when John Stanley enters her life, she doesn’t know whether to run toward him, or sprint away as fast as she can.

She’s supposed to have half of her life left to figure things out. Which means she absolutely cannot leave Earth while she still has a strong sense that something is missing. But what is it? Is it the fact that she’s been closed-off to men since her surprise unwed pregnancy? Or that her children are all off living their own lives without her? The uncertainty of her life stirs up old memories and mysteries from childhood that have her spinning.

So when Christmas approaches and John is determined to make sure she sticks around, will she allow him in? Or will she simply let fate take its course?

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication October 20, 2026

Reviews

[Maria]

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, given to me by Tule Publishing via BookFunnel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
4.5 stars.
A wonderful story about family, love and romance when you’re older, “Christmas on Goose Island”, by Laurie Beach, presents unforgetable characters, genuine and complex.
Dottie is a special, memorable heroine, full of life, warmth, generosity. The candor, humor, smartness and kindness combine to create a character that seems real.
And what an admirable backstory the author created for this amazing woman,
The slow romance with John Stanely is seductive and the deputy, with all that stoicism and athleticism, is a really magnetic hero.
But the story is so much more than the cute, delicious but brief romance between Dottie and John.
It’s about ageing, loss, mental health, poverty, and the power of affection, love, humor and gentleness.
A wonderful, well written read, happening in a beautiful setting.

[Kathleen]

Dorothea Boone, known as Dottie, lives by her own rules. So what if people think she is a bit eccentric and believes in premonitions. And that this Christmas she is going to leave this world behind...and just when a man in the form of John Stanley, the officer who was called in on the day of her accident and a bit of thorn in her side comes into her life. Is this a good sign or are bad things about to happen.

But before she leaves this world she has to get a few facts straightened out and help a few people along the way. And she wants her girls home with her for Christmas like always, but things seem to be working against her.

If she is going out of this world, then she is going to make it a Christmas to remember even if John is determined to make sure she sticks around. Will she let him or will she just late the fates take over.

I love Dottie's character and I feel for her in ways I had not thought of. She is very relatable. When someone just wants to be loved for themselves and not what people see, which is what Dottie wants, then that can put an awful lot of obstacles in the way of happiness. The characters are all wonderful and the small town southern charm of Christmas gives you a feeling of hope, happiness and the season of miracles. I love this series.

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

[Paula Pugh]

The Southern Isle series novels by Ms Beach are all excellent, down home Southern novels. The characters are relatable with quirks and foibles. The dilemmas of mother Dottie Boone are the topic of this book as she struggles with recognizing her girls are fully grown and not dependent on her any more. Plus, she has a premonition that her death is imminent. There is a chance for a partner at last in her life, if only. Loved her personality as a force of nature. An excellent read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Janine]

An unexpected Christmas miracle.

Dottie Boone had become an empty nester. With her daughters off living their lives, Dottie was contemplating her next chapter. But when Dottie’s food truck was wrecked in an accident, she knew she had to think about her future even more now. Along with finding a job, she might even find time for a man in her life. I just couldn’t get enough of this book and loved everything about it. It is emotional and filled with lots of hopes and dreams and characters that I just can’t get enough of.

[Julie]

Highly recommend this book. It has ALL the feels. I laughed, I cried, I was on the edge of my chair.
Dottie is someone I want in my corner through all of it. At first, I wasn't sure about her. Rough exterior but fiercely loyal. Loves her family unconditionally but still is very strong and independent. Then when she dredges up her past, you want to take her in your arms and hold her tight. You want her to be your mom, best friend, confidant, and protector.
I'm so glad she gets her happily ever after.
This is a book about family, friendships, hard times, sad times, good times, and finally love everlasting.
Get it and read it today!.

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

[Liz Flaherty]

I loved this book. Frankly, I didn't always like Dottie Boone, but she grew, and before I knew it, she had a firm hold on my heart. So did the other people within the story, not to mention the turtles. There was a little bit of It's A Wonderful Life here, a little bit of Scrooge, and a lot of Laurie Beach's sweet (and sometimes tart) Southern voice. I highly recommend this story any time, but especially through the holidays.

I received a copy of Christmas on Goose Island from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.