Annie's Christmas by the Sea

Salt Bay #2

by Liz Eeles

On the beautiful coast of Cornwall lies the idyllic Salt Bay, where Christmas is the perfect time for bringing family and friends together…

Annie Trebarwith is happily settled in Salt Bay with her beloved great-aunt Alice and gorgeous boyfriend Josh Pasco. Snow is in the air, and Christmas is just around the corner.

But when the father she’s never met, aging rock god Barry, turns up with the half-sister Annie didn’t know existed, life suddenly gets complicated. Barry and Storm are soon clashing with the entire village, and their antics are even driving a wedge between Annie and Josh.

Can Annie prevent her new family ruining the festivities and repair things with Josh in time for a cosy Christmas? Or will their relationship end up as frosty as the Salt Bay air?

Annie’s Christmas by the Sea is a hilarious and heart-warming story about family, friends and the magic of Christmas, perfect for fans of Lily Graham, Holly Martin and Phillipa Ashley.

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Chick Lit

398 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2017

About the author

I live on the south coast of England with my family, and write heart-warming, emotional women's fiction and romantic comedies.

When I've notched up my daily word count, I enjoy reading, walking by the sea with friends, singing in a local choir, and watching TV. I love sci-fi programmes and still harbour a childhood crush on Captain Kirk.

Reviews

[Dash fan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5☆ I Absolutely Adored this book!!

Annie's Christmas By the Sea is a fantastic sequel.
Although this can be read as a standalone book.
I think if you read the first book first - Annie's Holiday By the Sea you will really fall in love with the Characters, Salt Bay and all the little back stories, and the History of Salt Bay Choral Society which plays a huge part in both books.

I can't tell you how much I adored being back in Salt Bay with Alice and Annie.
It felt like I was never away.

So it was a great surprise to see some new characters, Barry and Storm!

Now you see Barry has just turned up on Annie's doorstep claiming to be her Father along with teenager Storm her half-sister.

Barry is loud, opinionated, comes across as a bit of a Jack the lad, Music is his life, he is a bit of a rocker!
But once you get to know Barry he's heart really is in the right place.
He just has a tough time trying not to mess everything up!
Especially for poor Annie, who's life has been turned upside down since the pair arrived!

Storm is your typical Teen, she's moody, angry and doesn't want to be in salt bay, where in her eyes nothing happens!
All she wants to do is get back to London where she feels like she belongs!
But there is definitely a vulnerable side to Storm.
I didn't want to like these two but my heart warmed to their rough charm!

But Wow are they both set to make a HUGE impression on Salt Bay and the villagers!!!

Be prepared for some laugh out loud moments and some snarky banter from Storm!

Annie and Josh are still a gorgeous couple who have bonded over the Choir.
However things are not easy for them with Family Dramas, Sick parents and secrets between them cracks start to show!
Can their Love survive?

The Salt Bay Choral Society are back!! Stronger than ever and preparing for their biggest adventure the Kernow Choral Crown finals.

I love the Choir group.
It brings back special memories of my school days and my school choir.
All of the characters bring something unique to the group.
The members are all very different, varied ages and abilities.
The Choir is very special to Salt Bay and has lots of history after a tragedy many years ago.

I really don't want to say much more about the story as I really don't want to give anything away... it's just too good!!

I adore Alice she is such an inspiration.
She is so strong, has a heart of gold, never gives up and sees the good in everyone.
I think everyone should meet Alice she really is a special character.

Liz Eeles has this way of bringing all of her characters to life. I feel like I know each one personally.

Liz has this way of capturing the spirit of Salt Bay and transporting me there, where nothing really happens, the pub (The Whistling Wave) is the only source of entertainment, to get a phone signal you have to sit on this one bench, it's like being in a remote village where everyone knows everyone. True community spirit!

Annie's Christmas By the Sea is a very special feel good book, that will have you laughing out loud, shedding a tear, falling in love with Salt Bay, it's Characters and not wanting to leave.
A warm and Cosy read perfect for those cold winter nights

I adore Liz's writing and I'm keeping my fingers crossed there will be more to come from Annie and Salt Bay!


I really can't recommend this book enough!!!


A perfect read for those who love Chick Lit, Romance, Family dramas, Choirs, Christmas Read, Humour, feel good and easy to read.
 
I received this book from the Publisher for free via Netgalley in which I voluntarily reviewed for the Blog Tour.


Blog Tour Review:

You can find out more about Annie's Christmas By the Sea and follow along with the Blog Tour on my Blog Website...

http://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2017/10...

[Melindam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another engaging, entertaining, feel-good story by author Liz Eeles with memorable characters & a lovely setting. Very much recommended for the holidays.

The story pretty much sucked me in from page one and it was nice to return to a place and to characters I liked in the first book of the series, Annie's Lovely Choir By The Sea. You don't need to read Book 1 to enjoy this one, though.

Ahhh, the feeling when you expect your long-lost father to be like this (after your mother told you he was a viking):



and he turns out like this:



So you can imagine Annie Trebarwith's shock when a strange, old, Danny De Vito-lookalike man turns up at her door unexpectedly claiming to be her father. He also happens to have a teenage wildchild -half-sister to Annie- in tow.

Apparently they came to know Annie better and plan to stay around Salt Bay for a while, but she is not very keen to play happy families either with old rocker, Barry or with the rebellious half-sister, Storm. Between them, Storm & Barry manage to alienate half the village in a matter of hours and try the patience of Annie's boyfriend, Josh who has family complications of his own to deal with. Then there is the competition the Salt Bay Choir - lead by Annie- wants to participate just before Christmas.

Peace on Earth and Goodwill toward Men seem to be sparse during this particular festive season and Annie has to deal with a stocking full of emotional and professional complications.

The author managed to create this lovely, literary place in Cornwall and populate it with full of quirky, vivid and believable characters. I think she did a good job in general, but she shone especially in creating the characters of Barry and Storm. Barry has high chances of winning the competition "most embarrassing dad of the world" and Storm wouldn't lag behind in claiming the "most unbearable teenage sister" title. Yet chapter by chapter Liz Eeles builds up their characters, showing us & Annie new layers behind the facade and driving home the point of "first appearances do deceive" without being didactic about it.

The only literary thorn in my side was Annie's boyfriend, Josh, the Poldark-lookalike guy.



OK, so I like to look at glowering, saturnine, Byronic heroes as much as the next woman, BUT only on TV. We all know that in real life these guys can be a most serious pain in the arse with their mood-swings, their obnoxious, woe-is-me behaviour and their incompetence of making up their minds. But it is all right, because they are so handsome.

I really wish Annie (and women in general) a better fate than having constantly to tiptoe and pussyfoot around the huge ego of a byronic hero with a penchant for martyrdom, for basically that's what Josh is. What kind of a relationship is that where you have to watch your partner from the corner of your eye all the time to check what kind of mood he is in?
Does not bode well for the future. In the end Annie kind of stands up to him, but only after blaming herself for everything throughout the book: "Oh,it's all my fault. I am despicable, while Josh is just perrrfect." BAH!

Luckily we are in the land of happily ever afters, so hopefully it will turn out for the best. Fingers crossed for lovely Annie.

Arc received by the Publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book to read. I loved meeting up with Annie again as she is now in beautiful Salt Bay by the rugged Cornish Coast. This was an absolutely delightful story about meeting her father for the first time as he unexpectedly shows up at her door with a step sister she didn't know even existed. Being that this book is based in the UK and I am not from there it's so neat to see all the English expressions in written form. I can just imagine hearing them being spoken now. A different culture than what I am used to I loved this book. It was so much fun. Magical and musical,Annie saves the Salt Bay Choral Society. Annie and shy and formal Josh have a relationship but will loudmouth,bugger dad Barry ruin their relationship or can magical things happen this holiday season? I hope there is another book in this series to read soon!
Pub Date 06 Oct 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5

A few months ago I had the pleasure of reading the first book in this lovely series, Annie’s Holiday by the Sea and totally fell in love with the characters, Eeles writing style and the gorgeous setting. It was great to be reacquainted with the residents of Salt Bay and as there was a pretty big secret revealed at the end of the first book, I was eager to see that aspect explored further. You could read this as a standalone but they’re such fun and entertaining reads that you really should start with the first book.

The characters in this book are so lovable and realistic, from Annie the introverted and sweet protagonist to her boyfriend Josh the brooding hunk to spunky Kayla, Annie’s Australian mate. There are many more, far too many to list, but they are all charming and unique in their own way and I loved getting to know more about each of them. The addition of Annie’s father Barry and sister Storm added some humor and snark and plenty of awkward moments and I really did feel for poor Annie dealing with not one, but TWO family members showing up at her door unannounced. No thank you!

Though technically this is a Christmas book as it’s set during the holidays it really doesn’t play a huge role in the storyline and could easily be read at anytime of the year. There is something about Eeles style that really appeals to me, it’s easy, light and warms the heart leaving you with a cozy feeling. I highly recommend this sweet, adorable series to anyone who needs a pick me up!

[Rachel Gilbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic sequel, and a highly enjoyable story in its own right.

I thoroughly enjoyed my return to Salt Bay, and the book starts shortly after the previous one ended. Besides the choir and Annie still getting used to have family in Alice and Toby, and her boyfriend Josh, and Salt Bay not being London, Annie has one more huge shock to deal with.

Out of the blue her father and half sister show up, and decide to stay with Annie for a while. They are not exactly suited to life in Salt Bay and the early interactions are cringe worthy and hilarious. As the story progressed though you get to know them both a bit more and I ended up really liking them both.

One of the secrets from the first book is expanded up on more this time, and in Annie doing her best to help everyone involved in it, has to keep something rather large from he boyfriend which doesn't go down too well.

IF you are planning on reading Annie's Holiday by the Sea, then I would suggest doing that before reading this one, partly so the events occur in chronological order and also as reading them the other way around would be to my mind confusing. This can be read as a standalone and all the key points from book 1 are mentioned enough so that you don't feel like you are missing out.

Despite having Christmas in the title I feel this is a book that can be enjoyed all year around, as although its set in the winter months, Christmas doesn't play a massive part in the overall story.

I am loving Liz Eeles writing style, she has a great way of describing her characters so that they feel so real. I could really picture the action. I loved also getting to know a bit more about other residents of Salt Bay, and really hope that there will be more Salt Bay books in the future.

Thank you to Netgalley and Bookouture for this copy which I've reviewed honestly and voluntarily.

[Meggy Chocolate'n'Waffles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeting Annie a few months ago, I was happily surprised and transported to a little English village where I learned to appreciate choirs, unknown family members, and dark and broody sexy Englishmen. Now you know me, I’m not a Christmas person, but the first book had so many emotions and layers to it than I thought… Why resist? Especially when Bookouture is tempting you with lots of winter reads!

So, first things first. Christmas. I can happily say there was not too much of it in this story! *insert happy and relieved face here* Salt Bay moves with the tide and once again you are invited to spend your days in the beautiful Trebarwith house. Thanks to the many descriptions, it took me minutes to remember and picture the whole scene again and feel a breeze against my face. As a girl who grew up next to the sea, I am fond of the scenery and I was back to one of my favorite places! Without the Jingle Bells!!!!

But I believe Annie would have preferred all the existing carols instead of the surprises she gets in the story! How many times can you discover you have unknown family members walking the Earth? And how many times do they have to come and find you?? Family ties are tough, especially with people you’ve never seen before! Clap your finger and a dad and half sister appear! I felt panicked, just like Annie! I could see a giant “NO” sign over the faces. Because just when she was finally settling in, finding her sea legs, and getting cosy in town, things had to get complicated.

I’d go so far as to call it a humongous shock, even worse than waking up to discover that Trump is leader of the free world.

This is why I always fear it when things go well for some time! Life throws a giant ball in your face and make your nose explode! Happy and lovely Annie suddenly turns into family-busy and overwhelmed Annie, leaving no time for the plans she had in mind. I could empathize so much with this! I like deciding what I do, when I do it, what I spend my time on, and then life decides otherwise and you’re forced to reorganize and turn into an ultra flexible yogi to be there for every task, every person, and you lose yourself in the process.

I felt little piece of Annie shatter, but I also watched her grow. I sensed her reflect, and I saw her lose it. I witnessed her smile, and I was by her side when she shed tears until her pillow was just like a rock in the sea. Annie is so real, so funny, so imperfect it is more than easy to follow her, to love her, to live with her!

Like I’ve said, my inner voice is a total bitch.

I liked this Christmas. I liked how it taught me lessons about first impressions, about the little things people do but you never see, about life itself and how things do not happen without a reason. This story breathes salted life, and we get to see it happen. The writing style is just as powerful as the first time, and you long to be a part of this village way before you reach the end of the story.

The choir warmed my heart, as did the entire town and I was absolutely ecstatic to see those familiar faces get some light, with their funny and endearing personalities, their issues, their history. I grew fonder of some, I definitely had my moments with Josh, boyfriend material in need of some hugs and slaps! (I promise I’m not a violent person!) I wish I had a Josh to warm the bigger side of the bed! I can’t resist the broody but heart-on-his-sleeve kind of guy.
Things blend. You can blend in. In a good way. If you open your heart enough. Annie’s Christmas reminded me our heart is bigger and more welcoming that we think it is.

So I’ll be recommending Annie's Christmas by the Sea, which is like a hard-earned salted-caramel filled chocolate square melting on your tongue, heart-warming and with a true spirit, Christmassy or not!

I'd like to send swowflakes and thanks to Bookouture for making me a part of this blog tour!

[Monica Mac · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was really lovely to make another trip to Salt Bay and to visit Annie, Josh and their family and friends. I love Annie, she is such a real person and I adore her great-aunt Alice.

This time around, Annie's father Barry and her half-sister Storm come to stay, out of the blue, and chaos ensues thereafter. Annie tries very hard to make everyone happy but there are a lot of different personalities to accommodate and things go wrong, as they often do, when you are trying to juggle too many balls. There are some funny and poignant moments in this book as well.

As much as I enjoyed meeting up with all the characters again in this lovely series, and meeting some new ones as well, I found this book a little bit on the angsty side and I was a bit tense throughout the reading of it. Somehow, this book had lost a bit of the easy feel of the first one (although I appreciate the fact that neither book was the type of chick lit that the cover would suggest, this is a thoroughly modern book). Please though, I beg of you, stop using the word "drongo" in any future books - trust me, it isn't a word the average 24 year old Australian woman uses :)

Nevertheless, I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series, there is a lot more to explore in Salt Bay, that's for sure.

This is a recommended read from me.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture.

[Susan Hampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now before I begin I have to say that I haven’t read Annie’s Holiday by the sea, which was the first book in the series but I still loved this story, the characters and the very wintry Salt Bay in Cornwall, where it is set.
Annie was just about to enter a new phase in her life as her 30th birthday was looming closer with every rapid day that passed. In fact Annie was feeling the best she had in well forever really. She lived with her great-aunt Alice had a wickedly gorgeous and kind fella and they shared their love of being part of Salt Bay’s Choral Society. Yep life was pretty cool, well would still have been if she hadn’t been hunted down by the bloke on the door step , with a teenager in tow, claiming to be her long-lost dad and moody half-sister. She didn’t even need a test doing as those piercing eyes he had were identical to her own. Barry and Storm had arrived and it didn’t seem like their departure date even had a number!
This is a super read and such a busy book with so many story lines all involving the lovely Annie that I felt that I had known for years. Annie is such a nice lady that she can’t find it in her heart to say she can’t help anyone that asks. This leads to some very tough times for Annie and rips her apart emotionally. While Annie is dealing with other people’s problems Barry and Storm are making quite an impression on the residents of this quaint seaside town. It is obvious that Barry is no diplomat where tact is concerned but he does make me laugh. Storm is a teenager caught in that bubble of “Woe is me” and “I hate my life” period. One thing that glues this community together is the Choir and concerts that they perform in. This is really up Barry’s street as he has always been part of a band.
The characters in this story are continually changing and growing as new elements are brought in for them to face and deal with. It really does have that personal feel with it, like you are really part of this welcoming community that is willing to give outsiders a chance. Barry has always been a centre stage sort of bloke, whether performing to an audience or just to one other person. He was someone I mellowed to rather than trusted.
This story has that warm and fuzzy feel about it as you read. The sort that has you curl your feet up in the chair while you are reading. Beautifully written this is a very believable story about life choices, love and forgiveness. A super all round good feel factor story that made me smile, giggle and think of family. A lovely book on the lead up to the festive season.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie’s Christmas By The Sea is the follow on from Annie’s Holiday By The Sea, as it follows on I would advise reading the books in order to get full enjoyment from the books and as they are fabulous books so why wouldn’t you want to?

It was great to catch back up with Annie and the other characters again. The setting is as wonderful as I remembered it and was instantly transported back to the village.

Annie seems to have acquired even more family in this book. Barry I’m not to sure if I was supposed to take to him so quickly, but I did. I thought he was a brilliant character and he brought even more fun to the story. Storm is your typical teenager but you just know that deep down there is lovely girl inside.

I had to feel sorry for Josh and Annie. They haven’t been together long but both have so much going on in their lives that it makes it hard for them to find time for themselves and things start to take their toll.

Annie’s Christmas By The Sea is a story very much about relationships, new and old. There is a real sense of community that you only tend to get in small places. A story that was a joy to read and perfect for the run up to Christmas.

My thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and biased in anyway.

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Annie has finally found happiness in her life. She loves spending time with her aunt Alice and things are going well between her and Josh. Annie will spend her first Christmas with family and she's really enjoying her time in Salt Bay. However, something unexpected makes her feel completely unbalanced once more. Annie's father Barry pays an unexpected visit. Annie has never met Barry, she didn't even know his first name. She also has a teenage half-sister, Storm. Storm has quite an attitude and Barry doesn't seem very trustworthy. What should Annie do?

Barry and Storm are just paying a quick visit, but after their arrival there seem to be plenty of reasons for them to prolong their stay. Annie constantly makes excuses for them. They insult the inhabitants of Salt Bay, they make things difficult for Annie on numerous occasions and she has no idea why they've even paid her a visit in the first place. Being caught up in family drama puts the relationship between Annie and Josh under pressure. Will Annie actually have her nice family Christmas or will she be heartbroken and alone once more?

Annie's Christmas by the Sea is another amazing story about Annie and her family and friends. Annie has changed since she arrived in Salt Bay. It was fantastic to see her grow. She's a wonderful person and she learns quickly. She cares about people and genuinely wants to make them happy, that are the right qualities for the main character of a feelgood Christmas story. I couldn't turn the pages quickly enough to find out if Annie would find the happiness she deserves and read the book in one sitting because of it.

Liz Eeles's writing has a lovely flow. I could easily picture Salt Bay with its gorgeous landscape, quirky inhabitants and wonderful new choir. I loved reading about each main character and liked that Liz Eeles has given her readers the chance to get to know them even better. Annie's Christmas by the Sea is filled with charm, entertainment and cosiness. It's a terrific holiday story with plenty of unexpected twists and turns and an incredibly romantic ending.

[victoria_tonks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Another lovely, engaging, heartwarming read from Liz Eeles. I have come to love Salt Bay and its quirky inhabitants very much. There is some drama on the way - after all, it does not happen all that often that you meet your own father for the first time at the age of 29 when he turns up on your doorstep, unannounced, bringing trouble. While Annie is trying to cope with her unexpectedly growing family, Josh is struggling his own family problems, and on top of that, Toby is back and the choir competition is approaching too fast for anyone's liking.

The book was a page-turner for me, and even though all the loose ends were tied up in the end perhaps a little too easily, I still got a little teary a couple of times towards the end and finished reading with a happy, warm feeling at the bottom of my heart. ACbtS is highly recommended if you need a bit of escapism, with an interesting plot and well-written, believable characters . And I also understand this is not the last part of the series, so I look forward to reading the next installment.

[Donna Maguire · Rating 4 out of 5]

https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...

I really enjoyed Annie's Christmas by the Sea and I thought it was a fantastic follow up to the book published earlier this year! I loved the initial visit to Salt Bay so I was really looking forward to revisiting for this Christmas. I loved the characters from the first visit so was delighted to see them again in this book, I love the way that they interact together and Liz has a lovely way of describing them and the locality to make you feel as you are there with them. The book can easily be read as a stand alone, but if you are planning on reading the previous book, I'd recommend that you do them in order as what happens in book one is covered in this book. This is the kind of book that you need to sit down with a mug of warm hot chocolate and a mince pie - delightful! A four star read from me and hoping we can go back to Salt Bay next year!!

[Emma Crowley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie's Christmas by the Sea by Liz Eeles was without question my most eagerly anticipated Christmas book being published this year. I adored Annie's Holiday by the Sea when I read it back in May. It is certainly one of my books of the year and as I said at the time I really couldn't believe this was a début author so brilliantly written was the story. Since reading that book it has gotten a name change as it had been called Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea. That was my only gripe about the book, yes a choir did feature in the story but it definitely wasn't the main focus so I didn't feel the title was the most apt but the new title certainly is.

The choir does feature again in this book as they compete in a choral competition but again I enjoyed how Liz Eeles let the characters and their various stories do the talking rather than it being all about the choir. Despite this being the second book in the Salt Bay series it can be read as a stand alone but to really appreciate the overall story, personally I would read the story of Annie's arrival in Salt Bay. I think you would miss out on a lot even though the author does provide the background story within the first few chapters of this new book. I got such a warm feeling and the sense of being totally swept up in the lives of the characters in book one that I would hate for any reader to miss out on this.

Annie and the residents of Salt Bay had already found a place in my heart so it was a joy to return and see what they were up to now. The story didn't drag in any way and immediately new characters were introduced which kept the book fresh. At the same time some familiar faces came to the fore once again to share their stories and have their plots developed just that little bit more. The small coastal village of Salt Bay exudes its charm once again. It's picturesque and idyllic but for some it feels too cut off from everything, struggling to get a mobile signal is beyond a pain at times.

For Annie Trebarwith, Salt Bay is now a place to call home. She may have arrived their under duress and at the time it was supposed to be a fleeting visit but the village itself has captured her heart not to mention a certain Josh Pasco who sets her heart a flutter every time they grab a chance to meet. Annie is happy living with her Great Aunt Alice, she feels like she has been given a home and having been without roots for so long she has now firmly planted herself in Salt Bay. Annie and Alice are recovering after a devastating flood wrecked their home. Alice is still dealing with her illness but is more open and willing to talk about it. She has become like a mother to Annie and Annie will never forget the kindness and love shown to her. Things are running smoothly, that is until the unexpected arrival of the Dad she has never met, Barry with his abrupt teenage daughter Storm in tow. The calmness and rest that had descended is shattered and once again Annie's world is turned upside down.

To be honest if someone like Barry had shown up after so many years absence I don't think I would have even opened the door. Annie had never known him and it had to be proven he was her actual father. I felt from the beginning he had ulterior motives and never quite felt he was genuine in his intentions. That searching for Annie and coming to Salt Bay was a last desperate measure. He seemed to be down on his luck and wanted to sweet talk Annie and maybe in some way get money from her. His short lived music career was but a distant memory. In his reality, he came across as a young rocker with not a care in the world who would muddle through life and rely on others to get him out of trouble.

I thought Annie in one way was gullible for taking him so much at face value and I think other residents and her friends felt the same. On the other hand if you had never ever met your father, were you going to turn down the opportunity to get to know him even if he didn't live up to the picture you had built up in your head over so many years? Annie also probably felt conflicted that she couldn't let her mother down. Even though she has passed away I think Annie thought her Mum would want her to connect with her Dad. Barry's arrival could also be compared to that of Annie's in book one. In the way Alice didn't shut the door on Annie, she knew she needed help and Annie was the one to give it and help her through tough times.

Storm, Annie's new step sister, was a typical teenager, sullen and abrupt in conversation. She stayed pretty much to herself. Beneath this exterior I was keen to see was there someone warmer willing to emerge. I think she was also embarrassed by Barry's actions, annoying and upsetting the people in the village. Yes there were some cringeworthy moments but at the end of the day your dad is your Dad. Martha had her only little story to share and maybe Annie would be the one to discover it? Annie should be admired for the way she dealt with Barry and Martha too. I hoped Annie and Salt Bay would work their charms on the pair and things would turn out differently.

One character who really got my back up in this book was Josh. I figured as Annie and himself were trying to develop and strengthen her relationship that he would be there for her a lot more but it was the totally opposite. Josh was secretive and quite sharp in the way he spoke to Annie at times. There was a feeling that he was under a lot of pressure but I didn't think that was any excuse for not meeting up with Annie when any opportunity presented itself. Their relationship seemed very hit and miss in the book and I suppose that is reflective of life that it's not always plain sailing on the path to true love. Their families were definitely pulling them in different directions when they wanted to spend time with each other but achieving the right balance and always expressing your true feelings can be very hard to do.

Annie's Christmas by the Sea was the perfect follow up story to Annie's Holiday by the Sea. Out of the two I think I prefer the first one but that doesn't mean this second book wasn't a brilliant read, it certainly was. The entire story really moved everything forward where as sometimes I feel book two in a series doesn't do more than rehash the first book with a few added extras. Again there were mentions of characters who I think are still on the periphery but if there are more books to come in the future they may get their chance to step into the spotlight. Kayla, Annie's best friend who works in the pub, once again had me in stitches over her love life with Ollie. She is a great friend to Annie and always there as a sounding board or to offer light relief. Alice's nephew Toby makes a reappearance and I was delighted to see a slightly softer side emerging.

Overall, this book was a lovely read and didn't disappoint. Liz Eeles conveys so easily what a special place Salt Bay is and the residents are there as friends and supporters to everyone. It is an uplifting, cosy read with characters that come alive on the page and become your firm friends. It's so warm and inviting you'll never want to leave and I am sad that is over and that I will have to wait if another visit to Salt Bay and Annie will arise in the future. Stick this on your Christmas reading list quick, you'll be glad you did so.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

First meeting Annie when a solicitor’s letter introduced her to family she’d never known, some time has passed and she’s found a sense of belonging in the tiny community: working at a charity that uses music for therapy, recovering after a flood in Trebarwith House, enjoying the company of her elderly aunt Alice and her relationship with Josh is stable. Add to that the Salt Bay Choir, reinvigorated with Annie’s push, cajoling and determination, and it seems as if everyone is looking forward to the first competition. And then, just as things are feeling as if she’s found a place – things change.

With an unknown father and half-sister appear, far different from her childhood musings, Josh’s mother taking ill, his sister Lucy and her five year old daughter requesting a secret, and cousin Toby arriving to be as overbearing and distasteful as ever, things are getting rocky. Alice’s health is slowly deteriorating, her half-sister Storm is just that with her 16 year old angst and anger erupting at every opportunity, the choir, prone to be pitchy at the best of times is feeling the pressure of an upcoming competition, and who really needs a pudgy, aging wanna-be rock star with a penchant for cluelessness as a father – albeit a father who isn’t easy to hide away? And the secrets: secret requests from Josh’s sister Lucy, Josh’s inability to even hold hands in public, shopkeeper Jennifer’s secrets that are hinted to but shut away when Storm presents more than a bit of trouble, and Annie’s worries about her place in Salt Bay, and the constant worry that she’s only made a temporary retreat from a life that was, until recently, more footloose and connection free.

Salt Bay is a little community that was weighted down with its sorrows and secrets, and Annie’s arrival rather shook that up, bringing music back after the tragic loss of so many to a storm. But there are secrets that are still buried, and the changes, particularly with her reaction to, at nearly 30, finally meeting her father for the first time. Eeles has imbued the stories of the town with emotion: sorrow, loss, family and belonging, and brought each to these characters: giving them moments to heal and reframe what each moment means. From Barry’s talks with Alice that result in a song that celebrates the lives of those lost to the storm, to Storm’s finding a place where she is needed and wanted, for Josh’s support of his family nearly bringing an end to his relationship with Annie, and for Annie finally taking a breath and a moment to see, and truly question, people’s motivations and then making decisions that are in the best interest of someone other than herself, despite her own personal stakes. So much is happening in the story, but the overwhelming effect is to heal the fractures in lives, in large and small ways, building those little bridges that make growth possible. Annie’s growth through these two stories has been remarkable, as she’s learned more about herself and what she truly wants, overcome those fears and even brought some healing to others in this time, and I can’t wait to see the Salt Bay Choir, with Annie and Josh, conducting them to face off with Gareth Malone.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via NetGalley for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Review first appeared at I am, Indeed

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up this book just at the right time for me.  My chronic back pain had flared up and I was in need of some distraction and boy did this book distract me.  ‘Annie’s Christmas By The Sea’ had me chuckling away to myself.  This is the first book by Liz Eeles that I have read but it is the second book that she has written.  The first book in the series is called ‘Annie’s Holiday By The Sea’ and was released earlier this year.
I don’t want to type too much about the storyline in this book because I have the unintentional nasty habit of giving away too many spoilers about books I have enjoyed.  This book finds Annie Trebarwith happily settled in Salt Bay with her boyfriend Josh Pasco, her elderly Aunt Alice and she has responsibility for the local choir.  Annie is also looking forward to Christmas which is just around the corner.  However the peace and tranquillity is soon shattered by the sudden and unexpected arrival of Barry, an aging rock star and his sulky daughter Storm.  It transpires that Barry is Annie’s father and Storm is Annie’s half sister.  Before too long, Barry and Storm are clashing with the villagers.  Barry and Storm even start to come between Josh and Annie.  Can Annie patch things up with Josh and prevent her long lost family members from ruining the festive season?  Or will her relationship break down entirely?  Well for the answers to those questions and more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out.
I must say that I took to the character of Annie from the start of the book.  It’s obvious that she experienced a traumatic experience and her life spiralled out of control.  Annie was angry at everybody and everything because there was nothing that she could do to help her mother, when she had breast cancer.  Annie’s father was absent but Annie’s mother had described Annie’s father as being a Viking, rock star god.  However, when Barry turns up, Annie’s illusions are well and truly shattered.  Annie has to cope with the shock of her father turning up but not only that Annie has to come to terms with the fact that she has a sister she didn’t know she had.  Annie is very protective of her Aunt Alice, who is rather frail.  I felt sorry for Annie because she is battered from all sides.  Not only does she have to deal with her new found family twittering away but she has to deal with the villagers, who Barry and Storm have upset either intentionally or otherwise.  Annie feels a sort of loyalty and responsibility to her new found family even though she doesn’t know them very well.  Annie is very protective of the life that she has created for herself as it took her a long time to feel settled enough to put down roots and I wondered if she saw Barry and Storm as a threat to that.  I even developed something of a soft spot for Barry.  It’s a shock when he turns up out of the blue but to be fair to him, Barry does not pretend to be anything he is not.  In other words, with Barry what you see is what you get.  He’s open and honest and ok, he is rather loud but that’s just who he is.  However, I was left with a mental image that I had rather had kept itself hidden just before I went to bed- that of Barry with a builder’s bottom.  Barry realises that he hasn’t been the world’s best father but in his defence he didn’t know that Annie’s mother had had a baby and if he had known he would been more of a presence in Annie’s life.  Barry wants to make up for lost time and to get to know his daughter (Annie) and hopes that his daughters will like one another and get along like a house on fire.  You can certainly say that Barry means well but it doesn’t always come across like that.  To start with, I could have quite cheerfully slapped Storm around the chops with a wet fish several dozen times.  However on reflection, I think that she is a typical teenager fighting a battle with all the hormones swishing around her body and she is trying to act all cool.  Storm did not want to be uprooted from the city and she certainly did not want to be dumped into a quiet country village or town.  She certainly makes her displeasure known.  She also does not seem to want a relationship with her sister, Annie but I think that this is more about the fact that Storm feels threatened and unsettled by Annie’s appearance in her life.  For quite a while Storm was Barry’s only child but here comes this unexpected sister, who is now the centre of attention and Storm thinks that she won’t be as important in her father’s life as she once was.  That said, Storm’s attitude stinks to start with and if I had been there I would have told her so along the lines of ‘Who the hell do you think you are talking to?’ but then I don’t have a lot of patience.  One character that I could have quite cheerfully poked in the eyes with a sharp stick is that of Toby, who is Annie’s cousin.  We learn that he is the father of Josh’s niece but his attitude towards parenthood stinks.  Even though he knows that he has a little girl, he still refers to her as ‘it’ and he said he told the mother to get rid of ‘it’.  He also seems to be waiting for Aunt Alice to pop off so he can have his pick of the best bits of her estate.  A very unpleasant character indeed.
I have to say that in my opinion ‘Annie’s Christmas By The Sea’ is very well written.  As I put at the beginning of this review, I picked this book up when I needed a distraction from my Chronic Back pain, which has cheerfully decided to play up.  This book really did distract me.  I was hooked from the very first word on the first page and I was under the book’s spell until I closed the back cover so to speak.  Reading this book became seriously addictive and I just had to read on and on for the next instalment in the Barry & Storm show.  When I felt a twinge of pain, I reached for this book until the twinge passed.  I was chuckling away reading this book and at times I chuckled a bit too much which then made me hurt more.  I just can’t win at times.  Lol.  As I was in so much pain and reached for the book so many times, the pages were turning over that quickly that it was almost as if they were turning themselves and before I knew it I had finished the book, which I was disappointed about as  was enjoying the writing style and the story so much.  Liz Eeles clearly loves and cares about her characters and this shines through in her writing.  Her sympathetic descriptions almost make the characters come alive and seem real.  We probably all know a Barry, a Storm and if we are really unlucky a Toby.
In short, I absolutely adored this book and I would definitely recommend it to others.  I can’t wait to read more about Annie, her new found family and the rest of the village.  Here’s hoping that I don’t have to wait too long.  I award this book a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
 

[Simona · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Book provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review*

We are back in Salt Bay, yay!!! I absolutely adored the first part of Annie’s story and I am very excited we get to read more about her and some other characters.

Annie Trebarwith is very happy in her new home. She takes care of her great-aunt Alice, has a gorgeous boyfriend Josh and her choir is still going strong.

Josh Pasco is a teacher, he is very busy at work, helps Annie with the choir and looks after his mother. The two of them barley see each other, but they somehow make it work.

However, Annie’s father Barry turns up with her half-sister Storm. This makes things much more complicated.

Then there is Josh’s sister Lucy with her daughter Freya. The story around Freya’s dad causes a lot of drama as well.

On top of that, there is Christmas coming up and the choir is preparing for a competition. I loved this part of the story. These little choir aspects and also the whole choir community, such a great mixture of people. Liz Eeles captured this beautifully in her writing. I felt like being in an actual rehearsal with the choir.

My favourite scenes were by far the ones with Annie and Josh together. They are such an amazing couple with a lot of chemistry. They had their ups and downs, but that was part of the storyline. I was especially surprised by Josh in the end, positively of course.

Salt Bay is a wonderful place and around Christmas it’s even more special. The atmosphere surrounding the characters and the storyline is magical.

Catching up with all the other characters was fabulous too and we get introduced to some new ones as well. They are all so unique and it’s just so sweet to see, how they are all there for each other. They are all so real and authentic.

A gorgeous read, perfect for snuggling up in a blanket with a warm drink. I enjoyed every second of this wonderful story!

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading Annie’s Holiday by the Sea and getting to know the family, community and history of Salt Bay it was a delight to return for Christmas. If you are after a fabulous rom-com look no further. I recommend Liz Eeles’ writing, she let’s humour and reality flow from her pen.

I suspect a lot of readers will adore the small Cornish village by the sea setting and see that as quirky, well I live in a place very similar and the feeling of belonging and never wanting to leave is so true. Everyone knows each others business before they do so I could relate to this story!

Poor Annie just as she thinks her life is getting settled the father she has never met arrives, with a half-sister in tow. How many long lost relatives can a person have!? Of course these two don’t come quietly there is plenty of friction and drama which only succeeds in jeopardising Annie’s relationship with boyfriend Josh and great aunt Alice.

Dad Barry is an ageing rocker and Storm is a sulky, petulant teenager so between them they aren’t a particularly good fit for Salt Bay. Can Annie keep the peace or is she destined to fall apart at the seams?

The whole setting of this book is charming, from the choir to the locals it just grabs hold of your heart and fills it with warmth. It could be read as a stand alone but to get the back story I would suggest reading them in order. This is perfect for a cosy read during the cooler months to get into the winter spirit.

Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for my copy which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

All reviews can be found on my blog: thecosiestcorner.blogspot.com

I was so looking forward to returning to Salt Bay and the story certainly didn't let me down. I really loved the first one, the book surrounding a choir was something totally different to what I would usually read about that I found it completely refreshing and I was sad when it finished. I loved the characters and the drama they had. So I was so happy when I heard we would be returning there, and at Christmas too!

On the return to Salt Bay we see main character Annie meeting her long lost family that she didn't even know existed (yikes) and the story follows her coming to deal with the sudden realisation that she has more family than she thought possible! At first (like Annie) I was a bit hesitant over whether I liked Barry and Storm but towards the end of the book I found myself loving them (especially Storm) and I was pleased that it all worked out in the end (without giving too much away).

The book has some emotional moments in it, and as Annie's new family arrive it causes her to drift further away from boyfriend Josh, making me wonder whether they could get through this strange time. However, I found that this added bit of drama meant that I just couldn't put the book down. It had everything that I love to read about: drama, romance, humour and of course - Christmas.

I still loved the choir part of the book - I loved the carol singing by the Christmas tree, and the competition that the Salt Bay Choir was a part of, as it gave it a really traditional Christmas feel to the book. Although it is a Christmas book, I wouldn't say it was overly Christmassy as most of the story is set before Christmas.

Overall, a really enjoyable second book in the series. I can't wait to see if we return to Salt Bay again - I hope so! Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher for a chance to read this novel, which I have reviewed honestly.

[Sally Coles · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back with Annie in Salt Bay and Josh - she is well settled now in the lovely seaside village and life is good until she gets some unexpected visitors!

Annie has never met her father Barry and she didn't even know she had a half sister Storm until they turn up on her doorstep.....and the are certainly not the type to fit in with the quiet village life! Barry is an ageing rocker and Storm is a truculent teenager who most definitely doesn't want to be in the little Cornish village and is desperate to get back to London where she belongs!

Another lovely story about this village - the characters are great and even the new ones Barry and Storm definitely grow on you once you get to know them and start to understand their insecurities - I am always a sucker for books about the Cornish coast and village life and really enjoyed this one

[Laura]

I so wanted to love this book. I love a cheesy chick-lit, and Christmas-themed is even better! It's a fairly straight-forward plot of Annie's absent father turning up one day out of the blue, along with her step-sister. Chaos ensues and the book follows how Annie copes with the upheaval, as well as trying to maintain a relationship with Josh. Unfortunately nothing stood out in this book for me. The plot was very slow to get moving, there was no excitement, and by 50% I had to DNF as the pace was just far too slow for me.

[Sarah · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF. I got so bored, struggling to get into the story after 30%, I had to skip to the last couple of chapters, and I'm glad I did. This is really not my cup of tea I'm afraid (sorry Lesley!). Some of the characters are colourful and even endearing, and the village feels like a lovely place, but the formulaic structure leaves no room for surprises.

[Lesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a lovely Christmas follow-up to Book 1 in the series.

Loved it.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers, Bookouture, for this review copy in exchange for an honest review. Also thank you to Noelle for allowing me to be part of the Blog Blitz for this book.

This is the 2nd book in the Salt Bay series. We return to Annie who has returned to Salt Bay to live with her Great Aunt Alice. Annie and Josh Pasco are now a couple and life couldn’t be perfect. That is until Annie’s long lost dad, Barry turns up bringing her teenage half-sister, Storm! As she’s never met her dad before, and still finding it difficult to be a ‘family’ person after so many years of it being her and her mum, Annie is understanding hesitant about the sudden influx of kith and kin. It doesn’t really help with Barry and Storm clashing with every person in the village, but at least Great Aunt Alice is enjoying her new houseguests as she’s invited them to stay a bit longer! This whole situation appears to be driving a wedge between Annie and Josh, and with Annie entering the Salt Bay Choral Society into a Choir competition it’s obvious that things are not going to run smoothly!

It was great to be back in Salt Bay, and at Christmas as well. How pretty must the little Cornish village be with Christmas lights and a sprinkling of snow! It’s lovely to see Annie still with Josh, but I have to admit I think Josh is even grumpier in this book than what he was in the last. Personally, I probably would have kicked him into touch a long time ago for being so miserable!! It was also lovely for Annie to finally meet her dad and find out her true ancestry as she was always told her dad was a Viking (not the Norse kind unfortunately!) Her sister Storm must have been taking lessons from Josh in how to be the gloomiest person in Cornwall, although you can’t blame her when she has had to follow Barry from gig to gig for the majority of her life!!

This was just as funny a book as what the first one was. I chuckled my way through this one, with Barry being my favourite character. It was lovely when he was being sincere and truthful with Annie, but his best moments were when he wasn’t! It was great to have an aged old rocker trying to share his love of Black Sabbath with the choir! I also loved seeing Troy back. He has to be the most tactless and insincere man ever, but he is so funny with it! A fantastic Christmassy story that has you crying with laughter! Oh and I agree with Annie on the subject of Doctor Who….it’s a no brainer that David Tennant is the best Doctor!! Well recommended! Five stars!

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie’s Christmas by the Sea is the first book by Liz Eeles and I can’t wait to read more. From the first page you are transported to the Cornish village of Salt Bay. A place where everyone knows everyone else’s business.

Annie has been living with her great aunt Alice since her Mum died and believes she is her only family. She has an idyllic life and a gorgeous boyfriend. Then out of the blue her log lost father, aging rocker Barry, turns up bringing her moody teenage half-sister Storm with him. SoonBarry and Storm are clashing with the villagers and driving a wedge between Annie and Josh, it seems her life isn’t so idyllic after all.

This book is well written and moved at a nice pace. I liked the different characters and you sensed there was a real feel of village pride. It’s set in the lead up to Christmas and it definitely puts you in the festive mood. I look forward to reading the authors next book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and the author for the chance to review.

[Vicki Bowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was so nice to go back to Salt Bay, picking up where we left off in Annie's Lovely Choir by the Sea, this time for Christmas.

As well as the original cast of characters, we are introduced to Barry, the ageing rock-star father who has a lot of making up to do - or is he after something? And there's his daughter, Storm. Now there's an apt name for such a stroppy, sarky teenager. She's sassy, sharp and has an answer for everything. This little madam is great!

We get to know Annie and Josh better too, and Alice is just as wonderful as ever.

This is one series I will definitely be following - I can't wait for the next one!

[Justkeepreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic sequal to the Salt bay books. If you haven't read Annie's choir by the sea. I highly recommend that you read that one first and it will give you lots of background. It was so nice to be reunited with all the lovely characters and to return to the picturesque Salt bay. Somewhere that I would simply love to go to as it sounds delightful. I highly recommend both of these books as they will make you smile and leave you feeling all happy and cosy inside. Wonderful.

[Pattie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun reading!

[Narelle Richards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review
This is the second book for Annie Trebarwith and while I do think you could read each book individually it is well worth your while to begin with the first in the series which is called 'Annie's Holiday by the Sea'. I was very happy to travel back to Salt Bay to spend a little more time with Annie to see how her life was progressing (especially her romantic attachment to Josh).
What is great about these books is the fact that they are quite believable in how the characters behave in certain situations and react to each other. Nothing is sugar coated and perfect - happy endings don't just happen because we want there to be a good outcome. Instead good and bad things happen in Annie's world and things are not always perfect. Annie never knew her father and has built a rather interesting picture of who he is and what he is like. Unfortunately, she has not got it quite right which she is about to discover when enter stage right Barry (her dad) with extra baggage Storm (her half-sister). Annie suddenly more relations than she knows what to do with.
All the familiar faces from book one are back in this book and we get to know them a little better. I especially loved getting to see what really made Jennifer tick. There are so many things going on in this story from the Saltbay Choir getting their moment to compete in the choir competition to Annie celebrating her 30th birthday. It is a thoroughly enjoyable read which does make you grind your teeth at times at how some of the characters behave. Absolutely worth picking up and settling in to Saltbay Cornwall.

[Jennifer Ritter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Annie’s Christmas by the Sea is the second book in this series by Liz Eeles. Annabella Trebarwith has come to Salt Bay, Cornwall, to live in Tregavar House with her great Aunt Alice Trebarwith Gowan, who she did not know existed until she received a fateful letter just months ago. Annie had been brought up by her late single mother in London, never knowing of her mother’s family or who her father was. However, in late fall would be rocker Barry Stubbs and his daughter, Storm, arrive at Tregavara House and Barry has the evidence to convince Annie that he is indeed her father.

Annie was a London girl and was just settling in to her new life in Salt Bay with boyfriend Josh Pasco, who codirects the Salt Bay Choral Society with her. Together they are resurrecting the choir from its demise in a terrible storm and flood 16 years earlier. She needs no disruptions in her new life.

Also looming in Annie’s near future is her thirtieth birthday, which is also the date of the Kernow Choral Crown Grand Final. There is much to do before the competition, not the least of which is the need for an original song for their finale, which Barry creates for the group

In a story of love, family, and place in community, Ms. Eeles has spun an intricate tale of finding one’s way in an uncertain world. This is an enjoyable story and I do recommend this book.

[Cara · Rating 5 out of 5]

We are back in Salt Bay folks! Which honestly just feels like home to me at this point and I absolutely love being back. But while Annie was all set to enjoy her Christmas with Alice, her yummy boyfriend Josh and the Salt Bay Choir, Annie gets a surprise "gift" instead, when her biological father Barry turns up with her teenage half-sister Storm, and I don't think any of them knew what to expect, certainly not what they are faced with.

Annie's Christmas by the Sea is a fantastic book two in the Salt Bay series (I hope), it has all the normal characters, plus crazy aging rocker Barry, who is nothing like her mother said he was. I have to admit I do love Alice's excepting nature in, it truly endears that women to me even more.

When it comes to Josh and Annie, they have their up and downs, but by the end of the book I was concerned that they might not last, as there are definitely stains over the family drama and the lack of being together, but I'm holding strong that they're a forever couple.

Annie's Christmas by the Sea is yet another stunning book by Liz Eeles, her writing is fantastic and truly sucks you into the story and that is why I give it 5 stars