Coming Home to Merriment Bay: Part Three: Christmas

Coming Home to Merriment Bay #3

by Emily Harvale

Part Three of this heartwarming four-part serial about finding the strength to put the past behind you and to reach out for a future filled with happiness and love.

Cat and Kyra have finally traced the man in the photo they found in Viola’s trunk – thanks to Amias. But Bailey Mitchell lives thousands of miles away and is almost ninety-eight, so meeting him in person is never going to happen. Which is just as well. Exchanging Christmas cards and chatting on social media leads to revelations Cat had not expected.

At least Christmas is looking promising. It may be freezing outside but things have definitely thawed between Cat and her mum, Mary. They’re actually getting on, especially now that Mary is dating Jeremy Stone, the builder working on Viola’s house.

Cat’s also hopeful that Viola’s situation may improve. And when a surprise visitor brings more than just well wishes, Cat’s Christmas takes a delightful turn.

With the festivities in full swing, and snow falling on Merriment Bay, the future’s looking bright. Christmas is a time for miracles and Cat believes she may get one of her own this year if she’s prepared to put the past behind her and open her heart to Love once more.

This is Part Three of a new, four-part serial. The parts are:
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part One: A Reunion
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Two: Sparks Fly
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Three: Christmas
Coming Home to Merriment Bay - Part Four: Starry Skies

This is a novel told in four parts. It forms Book One in Emily Harvale's Merriment Bay series which is interconnected to her Wyntersleap series. Each series can be read alone, but several characters appear in both series.

Genres: Christmas, Chick Lit, Novella, Fiction

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 12, 2019

About the author

Emily writes novels, novellas and short stories about friendship, family and falling in love. She believes in love at first sight and she loves a happy ending but knows that life doesn't always go to plan. Her stories are sure to bring a smile to your face and a warmth to your heart.

Emily loves to connect with her readers. In addition to her newsletter, she has a readers' group on Facebook, where she shares all her latest news and even gets readers involved in choosing titles, book covers and more. To catch up with Emily, find out about the group, or connect with her on social media, go to her website at https://www.emilyharvale.com

Having lived and worked in London for several years, Emily returned to her home town of Hastings where she writes full-time. She’s a member of the SoA, an Amazon bestseller and a Kindle All Star. When not writing, Emily says she can be found enjoying the stunning East Sussex coast and countryside, but she’s more likely to be found with friends, enjoying a glass of wine or a cup of coffee, and definitely some cake. Emily has two mischievous rescue cats, Beatrix and Portia, who like to sprawl across her keyboard, regardless of whether Emily is typing on it, or not.

Catch up with Emily on her website https://www.emilyharvale.com or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/emilyharvalew... or Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/emilyharvale

Reviews

[DJ Sakata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Favorite Quotes:

He's stolen my dreams and made them his. But he hasn't included me. And somehow, that's the worst betrayal of all.

Just nice? Didn't you feel your heart beat faster, or get tingles up and down your spine? Or hear a choir of angels, or even Santa's elves playing violins, or something?


My Review:

Gah! This was an eventful installment but I’m getting whiplash from these indecisive and wishy-washy characters. I am indignant and tetchy with impatience for an actual conversation between the two as they take a tiny step forward and three steps back. The secrets remain untold but I have several theories percolating in the tiny pea that resides in my skull. Manipulative and magniloquent Mary deserves to be drawn and quartered several times over for her contemptible and selfish behaviors over the years.

Cliffhangers are the handiwork of Satan himself and have left me itchy to pinch and maybe even give a good smack to the bedeviling minx Emily Harvale with my beloved Kindle for vexing me so! One more installment to go and two long weeks to wait for gratification. I fear I am just not equipped to read serials. I beseech you; please write quickly, Ms. Harvale.

[Berit☀️✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Emily Harvale has written another delightful cozy series. This is the third book in the Merriment Bay series, this series without a doubt needs to be read in order. There sure was a lot of drama, angst, and holiday cheer packed in this little book. Cat is such a likable character, but the girl is so fickle and frustrating. Her daughter Kyra has her head screwed on much better than mom, she seems to be the voice of reason. It was nice to see Cat and her mother Mary resolve some long festering issues. We do find out who the mysterious letter writer is, but there are some geographical problems with that. There still is a lot of will they? Won’t they? When it comes to Cat and Amias. I absolutely love these characters and I’m sad that there is only one more book in the series, but I’m eager to see how everything is resolved. A fabulously festive feel good story!

This book in emojis 🎄 ❄️ 🤔 🥰

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yay! Was so great to be back in Merriment Bay with all the characters again and at the most festive time of the year.

The storyline carries on from where we left off in the previous book of which I couldn’t wait to find out more about the story line to do with Bailey and Viola. Also I was dying to see if romance was finally about to flourish between Cat and Amias.

They do say that the path of love is never a smooth one. This couldn’t be truer when it comes to Cat. I have to admit to wanting to give her a good shake more than a few times through out this novel. I found myself wanting to scream and shout at her as she made decisions that I knew would end up causing her heart ache. Kyra her daughter, for a teenager, has her head well and truly screwed on and thankfully was saying everything that I was wanting to.

The sense of Christmas, families and relationships is very strong throughout the story. I love the relationships within Cat’s family and whilst loved ones may think their actions are for the best, they sometimes can be for more selfish reasons. This isn’t some perfect family that we see portrayed so many times in these kind of books, but a more realistic one where readers can relate to.

Coming Home To Merriment Bay: Part Three: Christmas is a story that really got my emotions going. These are characters that have got into my heart and under my skin and it was like tuning into my favourite soap. Knowing that there is only one more book to come fills me with me both excitement and sadness. A fabulously entertaining and heart warming read.

Thanks to Rachel’s Random resources for an advanced readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own and not biased in anyway.

[Nila (digitalcreativepages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because this is the one that made me react completely. You would find me talking to my kindle, screaming at the characters for having frustrated me with their not so intelligent decisions.

My third book by Emily Harvale, the plot became murkier as secrets were revealed by the man in the photo who was found but he lived too far away for visits. Christmas festivities started. Cat still had a lot to do to build up relationships with Mary and Viola.

The writing gave off a strong bond between the families, the true vibe of Christmas was seen in the prose. Emily Harvale was a clever story spinner who gave me emotions yet kept me hanging at the edge of the cliff. Perfect family is a myth, but a family could be perfect for each. That was the core of the story.

Relationships were brought out stronger with this series, one of my favorites by this author. The words evoked emotions which made me love these characters more even when I was angry at their decisions. But I have made stupid decisions, so who was I to cast a blame.

Overall, an entertaining read, I enjoyed it completely. The last one would be explosive, so I thought.

[Grace J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous part of this story .. so looking forward to the next (final) one now!

With Granny Viola still in her coma and Mary in the throes of love with Jeremy the builder, Cat and Kyra have finally tracked down the sender of the unopened letters - with a little help from Amias. As Christmas approaches, an unexpected visitor's arrival has an effect on all the family, and the festive season takes on an extra bit of sparkle!

This is a lovely third instalment of Cat's story, introducing a bit of romance for all of the Devon women. Things finally seem to be moving in the right direction, at least for some of them and long held secrets are beginning to spill out. This is a well-thought out series; each one advances the story whilst holding something back for the next instalment and every one is entertaining on it's own as well as being part of the whole. As always, Emily Harvale's writing flows easily with a touch of romance, a bit of intrigue and characters who get under your skin. Another winner, earning a full five stars!

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is part three to a four part book series, although all four parts also form book one of the Merriment Bay series. Meaning you can read this story in four parts or all together as one full book.

I am absolutely loving this series, and I have to say that this part three has been a bit of a rollercoaster with all of the drama, and so much going on. It was jam packed that’s for sure.

My favourite bit about this part four, was the historical fiction element, when the family find out more about Viola’s past, and the story/mystery behind the secret unopened letters, it was centred around the time of world war 2. It was just lovely and really added something extra to the story.

Obviously I had lots more favourites throughout the story but just way to many to mention.

So on wards to part four, and here’s hoping that Cat and Amias will come to their senses and finally get it on and realise that they love each other and always have.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read, reviewed and loved the first two parts of the ‘Coming Home To Merriment Bay’ series and I couldn’t wait to get my mitts on a copy of the third part of the series called ‘Christmas’. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because the third part of the series called ‘Christmas’ was released on 12th November 2019. It is another cracking read in what is proving to be a fabulous series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading ‘Christmas’ but more about that in a bit.
As soon as I began to read, I felt as though I had been reunited with old friends in the shape of the various characters. It didn’t take me long to pick up from where I had left off with their respective stories. I could remember who was who and what they were doing in the previous episode. That might sound silly to some but I often find that when I read a story that consists of episodes/ parts I find myself having to flick back to previous parts of the story to remind myself who was who and what they were doing at that time. That certainly wasn’t the case with this book.
I soon became addicted to reading this part of the story. As soon as I began to read that was it, I just knew that nothing else was going to get done for the next couple of hours because there was no way that I would be moving until I had finished ‘Christmas’. As this is one part of a bigger story, it isn’t actually that long in length and so it didn’t take me long to get to the end. I was most disappointed to reach the end of part three because it meant that I had to say a temporary farewell to the characters. I soon cheered up when I realised that the fourth part of the serial had just been released and I could start reading it as soon as I had finished this one.
In short, ‘Coming Home To Merriment Bay: Part Three- Christmas’ is a fabulously fun and festive read, which I thoroughly enjoyed reading. I would definitely recommend this series to other readers. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

[Laura Nelson (Tangents and Tissues) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, as one who can, admittedly, become a tad over emotionally involved in the stories she reads, I have to admit that the latest instalment in the CHTMB serialisation has really done a number on me!

If it wasn’t for the fact that my kindle is on its last legs (and I keep everything crossed every time I turn it on *winces*), I was severely tempted to lob it at the wall – such was my frustration. There’s a name for me, lol, but I confess to loving every up and down. Cliché alert: it was one emotional rollercoaster.

I was literally scream-wailing at the end.

‘Nooooooo!’

‘EH can’t leave me like this!’

‘Heads are gonna roll...’

‘Amias, get your head outta your fine ass!’

‘Cat! Whatcha doing, woman?’

So, yeah, you could say my heart can’t take much more. Last nerve, anyone? *snorts*

It was revelations galore in Part 3! Some secrets are revealed, but not all (where would be the fun in that *smirks*). As I’ve said before, Emily loves a good tease *winks*.

Hmm, I think there will need to be some loin girding before I dive into Part 4. I mean, it’s all got to come good, right? Right?

*whimpers*

I’m not ready. I need to get my ‘Reading Survival’ kit sorted first.

Whaaa? You’ve never heard of such a thing?

What’s in it? Well, let me enlighten you.

It contains all of the usual essentials – tissues, chocolate, and lots and lots of teabags. You were expecting alcohol, weren’t you? *laughs*

Right, I’m off to do some more waiting.

I. Can. Do. This!

[Christie72 (Devilishly Delicious Book Reviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book three in the sweet serial by Emily Harvale is not short on surprises. Cat and Kyra now know where Bailey Mitchell lives. Cat had no way of knowing that sending a letter to him will change her life in ways she never saw coming.

Just when it looks like she and Amias may finally reveal their feelings for one another, a possible new love interest enters her life...Bailey Mitchell’s grandson, Ben. He, his sister, and Bailey make the journey to see Viola.

Secrets are revealed, and the story moves along pretty quickly. There were times I wanted to take my Kindle and throw it across the room because of Cat and Amias! I have never run across two more obstinate characters in my life. I literally wanted to lock them in a room until they put all their cards on the table. However, that is the mark of a great writer, one who elicits emotions from his or her readers.

As with each book, it does end with some answers but it leaves some questions too. Don’t stress out too much...book 4 is out, and I have also read that one. All your questions will be answered. Emily Harvale never disappoints!!!

[Pam Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

We are now half way through the story and the characters are well established and keeping my attention. Cat's situation gets more involved with the addition of some new friends and it looks as though tehre may be some answers coming about some of those secrets from the past, This third instalment hasn't disappointed and I am still loving the Merriment Bay setting and community.

I particularly love how Cat's relationship with her mother moves on and they seem to be reaching more of an understanding. Family ties are very important in this series and key to understanding some of the characters. I can't wait for the final part in the story to see if my hunches are going to be proved right. This is feelgood reading at its best.

In short: Family ties deepen. Thanks to the author for a copy of the book.

[Gmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I simply love how the author puts herself in the reader's shoes and reads our minds as to exactly what we're contemplating when we've reached the story's end. I mean the questions she poses are RIGHT ON POINT! I'm simply dying to know whether Cat and Amias will end up together or simply remain two ships passing ever so close in the night...but I'm also curious about the Ben situation as it plays quite heavily into everything else. I love the progress made between mother and daughter...well, in both sets of mothers and daughters actually. You can see it brings more peace to their hearts and contentment to their time shared. I'm very interested to know if Viola will ever have her say in everything that's transpiring and what she'd think about this Jeremy fellow that has apparently hitched his wagon to Mary.


**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is part 3 of the Merriment Bay series. I would recommend reading these stories in order as it is a serialisation of this series, and all of the parts follow on from each other. This part is aptly titled ‘Christmas’ and we are back in Merriment Bay just in time for the festive period. The storyline carries on from where Part 2 finishes, so for this reason I won’t say too much about the plot in this review!!

Obviously, all the characters from the previous book are back and relationships (both family and romantic ones) are the key topics in this story. The course of true love never runs smoothly, but to find out for which character you’ll have to read the book!! It definitely keeps you on your toes with a will they-won’t they storyline and I love how the family relationship between Cat and her mother, Mary develop even further.

Yet again, there has been a little bit of everything in this story – some romance, mystery, even a little bit of crime!! I love the characters (with the exception of one who I always knew didn’t feel right!!) and love the relationships between them all. This is such an easy and light-hearted story to read, with the added advantage of it being such a short read which makes it perfect to finish in a couple of hours! This has been a lovely series so far!! Roll on Part 4…can’t wait!!

[Megan Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the story continues a lot can be said for what is another fantastic series by Emily Harvale.
Some very powerful things can be learnt about life and love. The importance, strength and bonds of family and friendships. How your past does not define you and but to learn from it and move on in order to find happiness in the future. The importance of self love and how true love sees no boundaries. The importance of forgiveness, trust, honesty and communication.
A highly recommended series and I’m looking forward to the continuation in the books to follow

[Kel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series by Emily Harvale and was eager to read this after reading part two. The characters are really jumping off of the pages now and I am keen to know what is going to happen in the tangle of emotions that Cat seems to have found herself in.

This is a lovely story about unconditional love and forgiveness whilst old emotional scars begin to heal and new relationships start to develop. I have found myself picking these books up as soon as they land on my kindle and devouring them within an afternoon. After reading this one I felt bereft as each story ends leaving you with a sense of anticipation and I am now desperate to read the final instalment of this series.

A great series, set in a lovely location with such lovely characters that you will feel the need to keep reading more.

[vicki longhurst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant book can't wait for the next !!

Omg I love this series I don't want it to end. Can't believe I've got to wait to find out what happens . Another brilliant book by a brilliant author

[Christine Margaret Costello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story telling at its best

Great characters, love the story, Emily always managed to write a wonderful tale, with some surprises here and there. Can't wait for part four. Thank you Emily

[marilyn goldthorp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming home to merriment bay part three

brilliant read i can't wait until I start on part four i will download it and probably be unable to put this one down until finished as well

[Sallie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can’t wait for part 4,

I raced through this part 3 and couldn’t wait to get to part 4. I did have a few moments where I wanted the misunderstanding between Cat & Amias to be Done! Nevertheless, I zoomed through and on to part 4!

[Tracey Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well what can I say, as us Emily fans are again blown away by another fantastic story! Brilliant writing and so many stories intertwined to make one hell of a read!! Keep it up Emily! ❤️

[Bonnie A. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hated it

I liked Cat in the first two books but didn't like her here. How dense can anyone be? Good grief.

[Melinda Wise · Rating 5 out of 5]

As fun as all the other Merriment Bay stories. Keeps me coming back for easy reads on my lunch time and bedtime.
Love Emily Harvale books!!! Keep them coming.....

[Pat Langhelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fab omg straight onto part 4 x

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Looking forward to the final installment of the Merriment series so we get the answers we're looking for. Love these easy to read in one sitting books.

[ann buchanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

, Enjoyable

Good Christmas read, a few interesting twists, some festive fun , a bit of romance,a good book to curl up on those cold winter nights and enjoy.

[Claire Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really into this book going on last part

[louise durling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Was addicted on the first one in this series, just purchased final one. Kept me intrigued all the way through

[Bobbi Accetturo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coming home to Mary may Bay

I just finished reading book 3 of Coming home to marinate bay I kept my interest and I couldn’t wait to get a book for

[Brigitte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great holiday read

From beginning to end, well written lots of fun and suspense. Can’t wait to read the next one very soon

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series

[Christine Galletly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

I love this author's books and was really keen to get started on this book as soon as I finished part two, I read the first three parts back to back as I knew I wouldn't want to wait!

This is turning out to be another great series and I thought that this was another great story - I am liking the characters even more as the book progresses and we get to find out their secrets - I can't wait to find out more about them too.

It is 5 stars from me - I am really looking forward to reading the final part now to see how the story ends and all the loose ends get wrapped up - I am loving this series so far - very highly recommended!!