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Waratah Inn #4
Christmas at the Waratah Inn
Christmas is a time for second chances...and for love.
Elizabeth Cranwell's children left home, her husband divorced her and dissolved their shared business, and she's set to spend Christmas alone.
Without her husband or the thriving business she spent years of her life building, Elizabeth doesn't know who she is or what to do with her days. She's dreading spending her first Christmas alone when her friends convince her to book a holiday at the Waratah Inn.
Robert Patch thought things couldn't get any worse when his only daughter married a controlling and angry man. That was until his grandchildren arrived. When his son-in-law won't allow Robert to stay with them over the holidays Robert does the next best thing and books into a nearby inn so he can see the children. He is pleasantly surprised when he meets a woman who reminds him of the love he lost so many years ago, in a way that reawakens a heart he'd long thought dormant.
Filled with memorable characters, from a cheeky possum to a cook who moonlights as an amateur counsellor, this sweet, small-town Christmas story celebrates the camaraderie of a life lived in community and second chances at life and love.
A stand-alone, heartwarming Christmas romance for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Debbie Mason.
Elizabeth Cranwell's children left home, her husband divorced her and dissolved their shared business, and she's set to spend Christmas alone.
Without her husband or the thriving business she spent years of her life building, Elizabeth doesn't know who she is or what to do with her days. She's dreading spending her first Christmas alone when her friends convince her to book a holiday at the Waratah Inn.
Robert Patch thought things couldn't get any worse when his only daughter married a controlling and angry man. That was until his grandchildren arrived. When his son-in-law won't allow Robert to stay with them over the holidays Robert does the next best thing and books into a nearby inn so he can see the children. He is pleasantly surprised when he meets a woman who reminds him of the love he lost so many years ago, in a way that reawakens a heart he'd long thought dormant.
Filled with memorable characters, from a cheeky possum to a cook who moonlights as an amateur counsellor, this sweet, small-town Christmas story celebrates the camaraderie of a life lived in community and second chances at life and love.
A stand-alone, heartwarming Christmas romance for fans of Sheila Roberts, Debbie Macomber, and Debbie Mason.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2019
2729 people are currently reading
940 people want to read
About the author
Lilly Mirren
36 books309 followersLilly Mirren is a USA Today Bestselling women's and contemporary fiction author.
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
She lives in Brisbane, Australia, with her husband and three children. When she's not writing she's running around after children, bushwalking, or spending time with friends.
"If readers are looking for an author who is the perfect mix of Debbie Macomber and Nora Roberts, Lilly Mirren is it." - InD'tale Magazine
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews
June 14, 2025
This was a very sweet book about Liz who is divorced and her two adult children have plans for Christmas. They will not be coming home. She is very depressed and decides to go away to another area and spend Christmas there. Rob has been a disinvited to his daughter’s for Christmas because they do not have enough room for him in the house. He decides to stay at a local Inn so he will be closer to his daughter and children. Liz and Rob meet at the inn, and after a few days, they feel very passionate about each other. It was a sweet story and I enjoyed it. It is very quick read less than 200 pages.
October 26, 2019
Christmas at the Waratah Inn: A Waratah Inn Novel is by Lily Mirren. This is a stand-alone book that does go with the books that are included in the Waratah Inn series. This book is about abuse, divorce, broken-homes, death, and dealing with being alone. It is set in Australia.
Liz Cranwell was alone. Her husband of twenty-four years had asked for a divorce and was now living with her administrative assistant. She was left with no job and her empty dream house. Her children were out in the world making their own lives. It wouldn’t be too bad; but it was Christmas. Her two best friends persuade her to spend Christmas at Waratah Inn. It would be good for spend the time someplace different. Now that she was here, they might be right. The place is beautiful and peaceful.
Rob Place was a widower with only one daughter who is living in an abusive situation. Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do for her except let herk now he is there if she needs him.
Two completely different people are going to spend Christmas at the same inn. What will happen between them? Will it just be back to normal after Christmas?
Liz Cranwell was alone. Her husband of twenty-four years had asked for a divorce and was now living with her administrative assistant. She was left with no job and her empty dream house. Her children were out in the world making their own lives. It wouldn’t be too bad; but it was Christmas. Her two best friends persuade her to spend Christmas at Waratah Inn. It would be good for spend the time someplace different. Now that she was here, they might be right. The place is beautiful and peaceful.
Rob Place was a widower with only one daughter who is living in an abusive situation. Unfortunately, there is nothing he can do for her except let herk now he is there if she needs him.
Two completely different people are going to spend Christmas at the same inn. What will happen between them? Will it just be back to normal after Christmas?
November 4, 2019
Who doesn’t love a good story about second chances at life and love? This book can be read any time of year and enjoyed by any age. In the midst of a mid-life crises, sad it will be holidays alone, and, her grown adult children now off on their own holiday plans, she has no direction for her own future. Sometimes life strikes you up side the head and everything changes. Liz has her friends, a dog, a home, but now what? This story-line is a wake-up call to look at our own lives and what would we do if all of a sudden our home-lives changed and we started over at middle-age. I loved the touches of humor; I enjoyed the banter among friends - new and old; and, I loved the feeling of family even though a little battle-scared. Also, this was a favorite line, “sometimes the bits and pieces make the best feasts” and that goes not just for food but for life itself. Thanks for a great book!
November 11, 2020
Nice light reading about re-finding ones self after a divorce.
December 18, 2021
Good Christmas story!
October 28, 2019
I really liked this new book in the series about a wonderful inn on the beach. I like the idea of an older couple finding each other and falling in love.
Robert is worried about his daughter since she and the grandkids are his only family, His wife had died 10 years before. He was to spend Christmas at his daughter's house but was told he needed to stay somewhere else and just come over to visit. So, he books into the Inn.
Liz was thinking she would spend Christmas with her son, then he calls and says he is spending the holiday with his girlfriend. Her friends talk her into going to the Inn where she and Robert meet.
I think you will really like reading this wonderful book. I highly recommend it.
Robert is worried about his daughter since she and the grandkids are his only family, His wife had died 10 years before. He was to spend Christmas at his daughter's house but was told he needed to stay somewhere else and just come over to visit. So, he books into the Inn.
Liz was thinking she would spend Christmas with her son, then he calls and says he is spending the holiday with his girlfriend. Her friends talk her into going to the Inn where she and Robert meet.
I think you will really like reading this wonderful book. I highly recommend it.
October 20, 2019
Rather than continuing the Summer sister's story this book is about two guests at the Inn.
Liz is still recovering from her divorce and is encouraged by her friends to go away for Christmas.
Rob is a widower who books into the Inn to stay near his daughter and her family, as her husband doesn't want him to stay with them.
With characters from the previous two stories this covers love in later life and abusive relationships all set in the lovely surroundings of the Waratah Inn this makes a great story. Looking forward to the next book in the series due in the new year.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the story.
Liz is still recovering from her divorce and is encouraged by her friends to go away for Christmas.
Rob is a widower who books into the Inn to stay near his daughter and her family, as her husband doesn't want him to stay with them.
With characters from the previous two stories this covers love in later life and abusive relationships all set in the lovely surroundings of the Waratah Inn this makes a great story. Looking forward to the next book in the series due in the new year.
I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the story.
October 20, 2019
Alone and Lost in Middle-Age
This book shares the setting of the Waratah Inn Series but stands alone. This is a Christmas romance, but it is so much more. The book explores rebuilding one's life in middle age after a huge personal loss. For many of us who have experienced divorce or have suddenly become widowed after decades of marriage, this book explores the freedom and joy of remaking oneself. While the story twangs many heart-strings, it is a joyful message of hope and love. I have enjoyed this entire series and love this book!
This book shares the setting of the Waratah Inn Series but stands alone. This is a Christmas romance, but it is so much more. The book explores rebuilding one's life in middle age after a huge personal loss. For many of us who have experienced divorce or have suddenly become widowed after decades of marriage, this book explores the freedom and joy of remaking oneself. While the story twangs many heart-strings, it is a joyful message of hope and love. I have enjoyed this entire series and love this book!
October 23, 2020
Christmas at the Waratah Inn is a stand alone book set at the Waratah Inn - not a book about one of the sister owners. While it takes place at Christmas, this book is really about having to rebuild your life and reinvent yourself after the children have left home and your husband divorces you or your wife dies. Elizabeth and Robert are main characters who need to figure our their new direction. This is a heart warming, well written romance. I like that the main characters are 47 and 50. If you like feel good, second chance romances, this would be a great book to read.
October 23, 2019
Christmas At The Waratah Inn
By; Lilly Mirren
A wonderful and touching story that will touch your heart . At times I caught myself crying and other times laughing. I was drawn at the start and could not put it down. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-a-lone , a heartwarming Christmas romance. There is loss ,divorce, abuse, and second chances. Love the story and the characters , both were well written.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
By; Lilly Mirren
A wonderful and touching story that will touch your heart . At times I caught myself crying and other times laughing. I was drawn at the start and could not put it down. Even though this is part of a series, it can be read as a stand-a-lone , a heartwarming Christmas romance. There is loss ,divorce, abuse, and second chances. Love the story and the characters , both were well written.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book, but was not told that I had to give a positive review. All opinions are my own.
October 22, 2019
This is a beautifully written Christmas romance. It's a very heartwarming read that will keep you turning the pages. It is full of hope and will pull on your heart strings. This is a book I will read again. I received an ARC copy of this book and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 1, 2019
Wonderful! I love a happy ending. Two people with lonely lives meet and fill the void in each other's life. The story is artfully woven.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2019
Good book
Very good book first time reading book by Lilly, enjoyed her writing and a very good story would recommend this book.
Very good book first time reading book by Lilly, enjoyed her writing and a very good story would recommend this book.
December 12, 2019
Great story about family, its ups and downs and what is important!
December 19, 2019
A quick read......set in Australia (love that).....about divorce, being alone, abuse, surviving! It's a part of a series of books, but this was easily a stand-alone read. I really enjoyed it.
November 25, 2020
A good story, well told. Liz has thrown herself into her work, her kids and her house. A house that she designed and decorated. A large house; now an empty house. Liz and her husband began architectural firm and built it into a very successful company. Because Liz was so busy making sure that the business went well and the kids were taken care of and the house was always clean, organized and functioning, her relationship with her husband didn't take priority. So he looked elsewhere.....for companionship and comfort, friendship and other things. The person that he chose to shower his affections on was none other than his wife's assistant. Fast forward a few years, the assistant felt uncomfortable sharing work time and office space with her lover's wife, so he dissolved the firm, divorced the wife and set Liz adrift. With her children grown and making their own way in the world, and with no career to "weigh" her down, Liz is finally "free" to enjoy some ME time. Then both her kids decide they want to do something else for Christmas instead of coming home. Liz will be alone for the first time in her life at Christmas. Her friends convince her to book a week in a small B&B out of town. While there, she meets Rob, a widower who lost his wife 10 years ago to cancer. They have a wonderful time together, riding horses, maybe not, walking on the beach, going for a swim, and eating and more eating. Some things in Rob's life are very upsetting. Liz helps him to figure them out, as much as she can. A really good light read. Hope you like it.
December 23, 2020
This is another enjoyable light, sweet romance set at the beautiful Waratah Inn. Liz Cranwell is still reeling from her recent divorce and dreads the Holidays. But, she is looking forward to her two children coming home for Christmas. When they both call to tell her that they will be spending Christmas with friends instead, she is shattered. Her best friends, Ivy and Margo, suggest that she take a holiday. Liz doesn't really embrace that idea, but once she arrives at the beautiful Waratah Inn, along Australia's coast, she finds that it isn't so bad.
Robert Patch is a widower and just wants to spend Christmas with his daughter, Jennifer, and his two grandkids. However, his son-in-law is less than happy about the visit. So, Rob books a room at the Waratah so that he can be close to his family but still far enough away to avoid conflict.
The developing relationship between Rob and Liz is sweet and romantic and will satisfy any lover of the romance genre. The addition of Jen and her domestic problems added a deeper layer to this story and the author handled it very well.
If you love Hallmark movies, especially those set at Christmas time, you will enjoy this book. The narrator does a great job and added a lot to my listening enjoyment. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author and chose to review it.
Robert Patch is a widower and just wants to spend Christmas with his daughter, Jennifer, and his two grandkids. However, his son-in-law is less than happy about the visit. So, Rob books a room at the Waratah so that he can be close to his family but still far enough away to avoid conflict.
The developing relationship between Rob and Liz is sweet and romantic and will satisfy any lover of the romance genre. The addition of Jen and her domestic problems added a deeper layer to this story and the author handled it very well.
If you love Hallmark movies, especially those set at Christmas time, you will enjoy this book. The narrator does a great job and added a lot to my listening enjoyment. I was given the chance to listen to this audiobook by the author and chose to review it.
August 29, 2020
Christmas at the Waratah Inn
By: Lilly Mirren
Narrated by: Brigid Lohrey
The Waratah Inn is the place to go! After the sisters have restored this beautiful resort, we get to stay with Liz and Robert for Christmas. Liz is a divorced with grown children and is spending her first holiday alone. Rather than stay home, she makes reservations at the Inn. Robert is a widower, staying at the Inn and hoping to spend some quality time with his daughter and grandchildren who live nearby. As luck would have it, the path of these two cross and a new romance begins to blossom. But things never go smoothly, and with family and friends, life is unpredictable. Will these two have more than just a vacation romance? This book is a standalone in the Waratah Inn series with brief cameos by previous characters. What I find refreshing about the book is it is not their first love, they aren't young adults, but mature people who have been forced to restart their lives. Lilly Mirren includes relevant issues that make the story current and realistic. I really enjoyed their holiday away and would love to join them at the inn!
Brigid Lohrey continues narrating this series with her fantastic voices. I love her and will be watching for her next chapter at the inn!
By: Lilly Mirren
Narrated by: Brigid Lohrey
The Waratah Inn is the place to go! After the sisters have restored this beautiful resort, we get to stay with Liz and Robert for Christmas. Liz is a divorced with grown children and is spending her first holiday alone. Rather than stay home, she makes reservations at the Inn. Robert is a widower, staying at the Inn and hoping to spend some quality time with his daughter and grandchildren who live nearby. As luck would have it, the path of these two cross and a new romance begins to blossom. But things never go smoothly, and with family and friends, life is unpredictable. Will these two have more than just a vacation romance? This book is a standalone in the Waratah Inn series with brief cameos by previous characters. What I find refreshing about the book is it is not their first love, they aren't young adults, but mature people who have been forced to restart their lives. Lilly Mirren includes relevant issues that make the story current and realistic. I really enjoyed their holiday away and would love to join them at the inn!
Brigid Lohrey continues narrating this series with her fantastic voices. I love her and will be watching for her next chapter at the inn!
December 6, 2020
This is a delightful slow burn romance as two people find each other while staying at the Waratah Inn over the Christmas holiday. It is also a second chance romance for them. Rob is a university professor staying at the inn over the holiday hoping to visit his daughter’s family for Christmas. As it turns out, she is trying to deal with an abusive husband and two small children. Liz is staying at the inn to learn to deal with her cheating now ex-husband and the loss of her business she worked so hard for over many years. Liz and Rob sort of gravitate toward one another as they find comfort in relating their lives with one another. They spend almost every day of their vacation joining in local activities or just walking along the beach. The last day of their stay at the inn they decided they want to continue their lives together and work out how they could make a go of it. I found it lovely to read this sweet, clean and second chance romance for two people who are in their 50’s! I could relate with Liz as I have had similar experiences in my own life. I think many people have at least at one time or another have met people going through the same things in their own lives. Also, Lilly Mirren offers well written book that made it all the more enjoyable.
December 3, 2020
This was a light reading for sure, and most the story I enjoyed. I like the thought behind it, moving forward after devastating, life altering events. Life changes for all, and I think we all have been there in some form or fashion.
Was not a fan of the ending. What bothered me is the Characters didn't truly move on, reinvent, or become happy with oneself. Instead, they spend a week together, fall in love, she decides to move to his city after that 1 week giving up her life, 2mo. later he proposes, he then decides to quit his job and move to her city in her house (the house that was her and her ex-husband's dream home). The wedding is shortly after.
Was a bit ridiculous, and missed the point.
I believe true happiness and reinventing comes not from exterior relationships, it comes from within.
Was not a fan of the ending. What bothered me is the Characters didn't truly move on, reinvent, or become happy with oneself. Instead, they spend a week together, fall in love, she decides to move to his city after that 1 week giving up her life, 2mo. later he proposes, he then decides to quit his job and move to her city in her house (the house that was her and her ex-husband's dream home). The wedding is shortly after.
Was a bit ridiculous, and missed the point.
I believe true happiness and reinventing comes not from exterior relationships, it comes from within.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 1, 2020
I enjoyed this romantic tale of second chances and also liked that the couple was in their 50's and more mature. Elizabeth finds herself alone this Christmas, battling loneliness, when her friends convince her to go on a holiday vacation solo. Robert books the Waratah Inn after his daughter tells him there's no room for him to stay with her and her family this Christmas. Elizabeth and Robert become friends, and the rest is a warm Christmas story, full of family drama, a few familiar characters, and a HEA. I wholeheartedly recommend this book for a clean romantic story taking place around the Christmas season.
November 25, 2020
Another entertaining story in the Waratah Inn series, this one was not about the sisters but about two of the guests who came to the Inn for Christmas. It is set in 1996 and was quite strange reading about phones ringing (landline) and having to go to another room to answer them! Also floppy discs! However, my usual complaint with this author still applies: no-one in Australia would call their handbag a purse, and the Americanisation of the language (presumably for sales in the US) is just annoying.
November 26, 2020
A beautiful second-chance romance.
Fans of Rosalind Pilcher or Debbie Macomber will love this sweet Christmas story of two lonely people rediscovering romance at an Australia beachside inn. Author Lilly Mitten creates a setting and characters that ring true on many levels. And any adult who has lived long enough to experience unexpected reverses in life will feel right at home with the novel's characters and their individual struggles to reclaim happiness.
Lovely writing and absolutely no offensive material. Fun and refreshing.
Fans of Rosalind Pilcher or Debbie Macomber will love this sweet Christmas story of two lonely people rediscovering romance at an Australia beachside inn. Author Lilly Mitten creates a setting and characters that ring true on many levels. And any adult who has lived long enough to experience unexpected reverses in life will feel right at home with the novel's characters and their individual struggles to reclaim happiness.
Lovely writing and absolutely no offensive material. Fun and refreshing.
June 10, 2023
Another great story--hard to put down.
Another lovely story of the Waratah Inn. This one starts at Christmas. Liz is divorced, with two older children. It's Christmas season, and her son and daughter are both spending Christmas with friends. David is going to his girlfriend's house. Danita is going skiing in Austria. So, Liz decides to go to the Waratah Inn rather than stay alone in her big house. She meets Rob, a widower, who is a professor. Interesting how things turn out.
Another lovely story of the Waratah Inn. This one starts at Christmas. Liz is divorced, with two older children. It's Christmas season, and her son and daughter are both spending Christmas with friends. David is going to his girlfriend's house. Danita is going skiing in Austria. So, Liz decides to go to the Waratah Inn rather than stay alone in her big house. She meets Rob, a widower, who is a professor. Interesting how things turn out.
April 2, 2024
A beautiful story of hopelessness turned around for a lovely group of people staying at the Inn. This one is about folks that are taking a holiday to distract them from their lives that are keeping them down. The Inn provides a perfect place of relaxation and exhilaration for them to escape the woes of their home life. The wonderful part for me was the meddling dad who managed to save his daughter and grandkids from a life of fear while realizing how incomplete his life is and finding joy in a woman he meets while on this journey of discovery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2020
Wonderful story with familiar characters
If you loved the first three novels about waratah inn and it's amazing cast of people, this story will warm your heart and leave you looking for more! I love this author, great character development and plots that excite, intrigue and fill the need for a sweet romance (nothing gross). Highly recommended this entire series. Great summer reading!
If you loved the first three novels about waratah inn and it's amazing cast of people, this story will warm your heart and leave you looking for more! I love this author, great character development and plots that excite, intrigue and fill the need for a sweet romance (nothing gross). Highly recommended this entire series. Great summer reading!
November 24, 2020
I enjoyed this story set in Queensland, Australia with its beautiful beaches and flora and fauna described. As Liz is challenged to spend Christmas 'alone', without her family and recently divorced, she discovers some things about herself and her lifestyle. Robert comes to Waratah Inn for other reasons but also finds himself challenged. I like Lilly Mirren's writing style and the story was well written and engaging. Thanks Lilly for a pleasurable read.
December 22, 2020
Christmas at the Waratah Inn
Another great book in the story of love and lost love. Rob a teacher who lost his wife to cancer ten years ago and needs something to look forward to decides to take a Christmas holiday at the Inn. He is worried about his daughter and two grandchildren. At the inn he meets a woman who is on vacation and a divorcée,they start talking and immediately realize they have a lot in common. Read on! This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Another great book in the story of love and lost love. Rob a teacher who lost his wife to cancer ten years ago and needs something to look forward to decides to take a Christmas holiday at the Inn. He is worried about his daughter and two grandchildren. At the inn he meets a woman who is on vacation and a divorcée,they start talking and immediately realize they have a lot in common. Read on! This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
July 13, 2022
a heartwarming beautiful book
This is a family saga with interesting well drawn characters. It is refreshing in light of so many modern novels. There is no graphic sex or gore of any kind. It was a page turner for me. And I appreciated the lack of emphasis on liquor, unlike so many novels written now.
It is hard to express my appreciation for a lovely book like this. Hurray for Lilly Mirren!
I will be reading more of her work.
This is a family saga with interesting well drawn characters. It is refreshing in light of so many modern novels. There is no graphic sex or gore of any kind. It was a page turner for me. And I appreciated the lack of emphasis on liquor, unlike so many novels written now.
It is hard to express my appreciation for a lovely book like this. Hurray for Lilly Mirren!
I will be reading more of her work.
April 30, 2020
A good read, I was a little disappointed the characters from previous Waratah Inn books didn't have more presence, otherwise the story was about Liz, starting over after a divorce and kids grown up, and Robert, widower with a daughter in an abusive marriage, staying at the Inn for Christmas.
I enjoyed the story.
I enjoyed the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 113 reviews