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One Charmed Christmas
Catherine Pine is hoping her Christmas is a bit more jolly than last year’s. That one was her first without her husband, and with her kids and their families absent this year, she’s worried. But things change when her good friend invites her on a Christmas cruise to lift her spirits. Suddenly every day is an adventure and she’s making a bunch of new friends, including the lovable Sophie Miles.
It’s like a gift from Santa when Sophie and Catherine meet the charming Dr. Rudy Nichols, a perfect match for hypochondriac Sophie. But he comes with a two-legged lump of coal, his guard-dog daughter. And then there’s chocolatier Trevor March, who’s also interested in the scrumptious Sophie. Can he convince her that chocolate is the perfect cure for what ails her? Who knows what Santa has in store for these holiday travelers? Anything could happen this charmed Christmas!
It’s like a gift from Santa when Sophie and Catherine meet the charming Dr. Rudy Nichols, a perfect match for hypochondriac Sophie. But he comes with a two-legged lump of coal, his guard-dog daughter. And then there’s chocolatier Trevor March, who’s also interested in the scrumptious Sophie. Can he convince her that chocolate is the perfect cure for what ails her? Who knows what Santa has in store for these holiday travelers? Anything could happen this charmed Christmas!
263 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2020
556 people are currently reading
1072 people want to read
About the author
Sheila Roberts
108 books1,981 followersWith fifty books to her credit, both fiction and non-fiction, Sheila Roberts is a frequent USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller - and a fan favorite. Her books have sold over three million copies and have been turned into movies for the Hallmark, Lifetime and Great American Family channels. Before settling into her writing career, Sheila owned a singing telegram company and played in band. When she's not traveling, Sheila can be found hanging out with friends, playing tennis, and, of course, writing and reading. Sometimes she even remembers to post books she's read!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 309 reviews
December 12, 2022
This is a well written, entertaining, contemporary romance novel. It has wit, a touch of humor, family and relationship drama, and a happily ever after ending. The cruise is beautiful and vividly described, and is the perfect setting for communicating the message to live your dreams today. I especially liked Lisa's inspirational quote.
Many thanks to Ms. Roberts and Fresh Fiction, from whom I won this book. This is my honest opinion.
Many thanks to Ms. Roberts and Fresh Fiction, from whom I won this book. This is my honest opinion.
August 4, 2020
Sounds like a great premise for a book—some people who do not have plans for Christmas sign up for a European river cruise. I was hoping for a cute Christmas romance, but here’s the problem—there isn’t a likable character in this obnoxious, entitled, unfunny bunch. And the lack of likable characters is a fiction deal-breaker for me. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for this ARC.
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October 4, 2020Normally I really enjoy Sheila Roberts' books, especially those written for the holidays but this time? Not so much. The same types of characters were gathered together - two best friends, a doctor and his incredibly annoying daughter, a few older women and TADA! A rom-com. However, THIS particular story was set on a petri dish, no, I mean a cruise ship for the holidays. Seriously, how many people have been infected with COVID on a cruise ship and how long did those ships have to sail around like a man without country because NO ONE wanted them to dock with all of those infected people? WHY would any author use this for their setting? Granted, a nod is given to this cruise being "post COVID" but, at this point, are we even sure there will be such a thing and, even if there is a "Post Covid" period, were these ships ever really safe in the first place. Nope. They weren't. So, no, I cannot recommend this book in good conscience. Wait until her next book is released and hope it's not set in the White House Rose Garden.
December 14, 2020
In this time of COVID, social distancing and restrictions on travel, it was a nice to escape in a story that reminded me that a time will come when we can take a cruise, make new friends and experience the wonders of the world. I was inspired by the descriptions of the beautiful places and would love to take a European River Cruise and what a better time than at Christmas.
I enjoyed the characters and the fact that they were dealing with real life issues, and it wasn't all ho ho ho made it a more realistic story. But of course there was romance in the air amongst the holiday celebrations.
I enjoyed the characters and the fact that they were dealing with real life issues, and it wasn't all ho ho ho made it a more realistic story. But of course there was romance in the air amongst the holiday celebrations.
October 10, 2022
This book is for you if… clichéd Christmas reads with multiple POVs are an enjoyable concept to you.
⤐ Additionally.
Each year I yearn to get myself into the mood for Christmas and each year it is chlichéd reads that make it somewhat difficult for me to accomplish just that. I realize I've been whining about clichéd reads of any kind a lot lately. Sorry for that.
Nonetheless, I enjoyed the multiple POVs - it is something that I've learned to love ever since I first watched Love Actually. One Charmed Christmas sure is a cute book for a cosy day with some Glühwein and a fluffy blanket for all those who like it simple, sweet and cross-generational.
⤐ What’s happening.
A bunch of people of all kinds go on a Christmas themed cruise. TW: some German is being butchered.
_____________________
3 STARS. Decent read that I have neither strongly positive nor negative feelings about. Some things irked me and thus it does not qualify as exceptional.
September 21, 2020
A heartwarming Christmas story that will make you laugh and cry. A very hard book to put down and I loved every minute of it and was so sorry it ended.
Very well written with amazing characters that draw you into the story.
A must read for the Christmas season!
Very well written with amazing characters that draw you into the story.
A must read for the Christmas season!
December 12, 2020
Catherine Pine is dreading the upcoming holiday season. This Christmas will be her second since the death of her husband. She has recently had some health challenges, and requires additional treatment after the holidays. When her good friend Denise invites her to join her on the river cruise Catherine willingly accepts. After all, both her adult children will be away with their families for Christmas this year. Also on the ship, we meet Rudy Nichols, a doctor who is on the ship with his daughter Athena, Trevor March a chocolatier with his brother Kurt, and Sophie Miles a hypochondriac and personal shopper on the ship with her sister Sierra. Over the course of the cruise, we learn more about the characters as they travel along the Rhine visiting port after port of holiday cheer.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-developed and likeable and the descriptions of the activities on the cruise (as well as the food and drinks) allowed me to escape the realities of today’s world. I loved the characters as they bonded throughout the week and the romances that blossomed along the way. Not everything is cheerful in this book - it discusses the very real challenges that face each of us in our everyday life. But this is what makes the story real and relatable. The theme of this story is one of hope, love and joy.
I listened to the audiobook version which was performed by Ann Marie Gideon who did a great job of narrating this story. I loved the enthusiastic and charming tone of her voice which added to this beautiful story. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which I found to be perfect. I would not hesitate to recommend listening to the audiobook version of this book for those who enjoy this format.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well-developed and likeable and the descriptions of the activities on the cruise (as well as the food and drinks) allowed me to escape the realities of today’s world. I loved the characters as they bonded throughout the week and the romances that blossomed along the way. Not everything is cheerful in this book - it discusses the very real challenges that face each of us in our everyday life. But this is what makes the story real and relatable. The theme of this story is one of hope, love and joy.
I listened to the audiobook version which was performed by Ann Marie Gideon who did a great job of narrating this story. I loved the enthusiastic and charming tone of her voice which added to this beautiful story. I listened to the book at my usual 1.25x speed which I found to be perfect. I would not hesitate to recommend listening to the audiobook version of this book for those who enjoy this format.
September 24, 2020
I enjoyed reading this book. I loved the cast of characters and how they all seemed to become a good group of friends. I have to say I did not like Athena but as the story went along and you understood her feelings she was not a bad person. I loved Trevor and that he owned a chocolate shop was an added bonus. As for Catherine I felt bad for her that her kids were not involved with her much. Even after they found out about her being sick it just seemed like she was an afterthought. I would love to see a second book with this to see how the characters are doing.
November 26, 2024
and they said they couldn’t turn a hallmark movie into a book
October 19, 2020
What a delightful and light-hearted Christmas romance! WIth the holidays approaching, Catherine’s friend Denise convinces her to go on a European cruise with her. After all, Catherine’s two children are busy leading their own lives, Catherine has a serious health issue to deal with after the holidays, and Denise really is a god friend. Also on the cruise are sisters Sophie and Sierra. Sierra is married but her husband reneged on the cruise at the last minute, so hypochondriac Sophie decides to travel with her sister. The cruise is all that they dreamed of, and all that I could dream of, too, if I had been along. Sumptuous meals, beautiful port cities with Christmas shopping all along the way. Plus, Trevor is on the cruise, the chocolate king of Cupid’s Chocolates. Of course, there is lots of matching up in couples, lots of drama, lots of romance and plenty of Christmas. My favorite part was the slide show presented by Sophie and Sierra’s brother at their family celebration. Seriously, this was like watching a Hallmark movie or living right in the scenes with the characters. The whole book was that realistically portrayed! The characters were three-dimensional and the plot was extremely well-written with no loose strings left at the end. (Or should I say missing Christmas tree bulbs?). Anyway, this was one of the best Christmas books that I have read and I highly recommend it for those who love the holiday and the romance that it brings. And if you don’t love the holiday, you will enjoy this book because it’s that good, even for Scrooges!
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guides Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”
September 25, 2020
Oh sigh. If you are missing travel, this one will make you miss it more. Catherine's a widow, her kids are off on their own, and she's been diagnosed with cancer. But, she takes a chance and joins a river cruise for Christmas, opening her up to a new group of friends. Each person- Sophie, Rudy, Kurt, Athena, and so on- has their own 3rd person POV and each has a quirk. But they all form a. sort of family for the holiday. Thanks to the publisher for the ARC. This is a perfect read to relax- and to smile.
October 27, 2020
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to go on a European river cruise to visit the Christmas markets, this light-hearted romance may be for you. The novel itself was “charming” although marred by some language especially in the first few chapters. Having enjoyed a European river cruise with my husband, I’m glad I kept reading as the book got better as the story progressed.
July 19, 2020
Great book. While reading I was on my internet checking out all the sites they visited.
September 10, 2022
A lovely quick read. Most of the book is set on a European River cruise to see the Christmas markets. I almost felt like i was on the cruise as the hostess Elsa described the delights the tourists would be seeing each day. The reader meets a range of interesting characters from widowed Catherine who faces chemo and radiation on her return to Sophie, the hypochondriac, Sierra whose husband is too busy to travel with her, Trevor who owns a chocolate company and Rudy, a GP and his adult daughter Athena who is determined to guard her father from heartbreak. The interactions between these characters and more make for humorous reading with gentle wisdom dropped in along the way. Maybe someday I'll go on a cruise like this...
December 29, 2020
I really liked this holiday read. First, it brought back memories of past cruises that I’ve so greatly enjoyed. The cruising life-its a good one! Next, I have a Christmas Market cruise booked for 2021 (fingers crossed), so the setting here was particularly interesting to me. I’ll be looking for Gluhwein! Then, I found the characters very likable. Quirky and kind, friendly and fiercely loyal, each with his/her own issues, they were people I’d want to know.
This was good way to spend a few days over the holiday.
This was good way to spend a few days over the holiday.
December 6, 2020
Why did I like this book? Because it let me travel the world while sitting on my couch. A story about people who go on a Christmas cruise. While reading I felt like I was right there with this gang, eating good food, drinking specialty cocktails, playing trivia and touring the world. The story was filled with romance, a little family drama and new friendships. Just like real life.
December 3, 2021
The flu queen was a nut!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2022
A very charming, cute, sweet story. I really enjoyed it, other than some bad language. 🤨
July 30, 2025
So cozy & schön
December 15, 2021
Unfortunately not the type of christmas romance I was hoping for. The charcters are quite shallow, mainly relying on stereotypes and the plot itself is very forseeable. I also missed the Chrismas atmosphere, a few Christmas markets (and their overromatizied description) didn't do anything to improve my Christmas feelings ;) So unfortunatly, I just can five one star for this not very innovative story.
December 19, 2023
Great story and it had. Surprising end
October 22, 2020
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS by Sheila Roberts is a contemporary, adult story line focusing on several passengers who have embarked on a pre-Christmas holiday boat cruise through Europe (more specifically Germany).
Told from third person perspective ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS follows sisters Sophie and Sierra, Dr. Rudy Nichols and his daughter Athena, brothers Trevor and Kurt March, and friends Catherine and Denise.
Breaking down the passenger agenda and backstory: Sophie Miles is a hypochondriac who reluctantly agreed to the European cruise when her sister Sierra’s husband bailed on his Christmas cruise tickets. Hoping to meet her future husband, Sophie will latch onto Dr. Rudy Nichols, a man several decades older but a man who has eyes for someone else. Meanwhile, Sophie’s sister Sierra struggles with the possible demise of her marriage, and begins to pull away from the other passengers, choosing to remain behind while the others play tourist.
Widower Dr. Rudy Nichols found himself attracted to widow Catherine Pine but Catherine is hiding a secret that will affect all relationships going forward. Catherine's adult children wanted nothing to do with their mother in the face of her continued grief after the death of their father so Catherine's friend Denise invited Catherine along for the cruise Meanwhile, Rudy’s daughter Athena is a little over protective of her father believing him to be naive. Playing guard dog to her father, forty-something Athena makes more enemies than friends, and struggles to leave her father alone.
Chocolatier Trevor March agreed to the cruise when his brother’s girlfriend was unable to attend. Kurt March is chaperoning a history class of students on the holiday cruise but nineteen year old Harriett, one of the students takes a liking to Kurt’s brother Trevor, and won’t leave him alone. Trying to distance himself from his brother’s class, Trevor finds himself attracted to Sophie Miles, a woman whose penchant for over reacting and believing she is going to die of any number of diseases pushes Sophie to follow Dr. Rudy like a love-sick puppy, in the hopes of marrying a doctor to cure whatever ails her.
In short: Harriett wants Trevor: Trevor wants Sophie: Sophie wants Dr. Rudy: Dr. Rudy wants Catherine: Catherine wants to survive another year: Athena doesn’t want anyone seducing her father: Sierra wants to save her marriage: and Denise is having the time of her life-got it? Good. It’s like high school all over again !
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS follows several intersecting pathways where love will blossom for some but not for others but saying that ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS has all of the ingredients of a YA (young adult ) novel, and in this I was disappointed with the attitudes and theatrics of most of the storyline’s unlikable characters. There are the jealous rivalries, mean girl comments, pouting and whining, secrets, lies, rejection and love. Poor Dr. Rudy was oblivious to his daughter’s attempts to keep Catherine and Sophie away from her father; and Sophie’s obsessive behavior regarding germs, illness and disease may have been funnier if not for the reality of COVID19 and the numerous deaths reported at sea. ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS is a well-written story line but missed the mark with annoying and unpleasant characters that detracted from a potentially sweet plot.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied by Netgalley
Told from third person perspective ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS follows sisters Sophie and Sierra, Dr. Rudy Nichols and his daughter Athena, brothers Trevor and Kurt March, and friends Catherine and Denise.
Breaking down the passenger agenda and backstory: Sophie Miles is a hypochondriac who reluctantly agreed to the European cruise when her sister Sierra’s husband bailed on his Christmas cruise tickets. Hoping to meet her future husband, Sophie will latch onto Dr. Rudy Nichols, a man several decades older but a man who has eyes for someone else. Meanwhile, Sophie’s sister Sierra struggles with the possible demise of her marriage, and begins to pull away from the other passengers, choosing to remain behind while the others play tourist.
Widower Dr. Rudy Nichols found himself attracted to widow Catherine Pine but Catherine is hiding a secret that will affect all relationships going forward. Catherine's adult children wanted nothing to do with their mother in the face of her continued grief after the death of their father so Catherine's friend Denise invited Catherine along for the cruise Meanwhile, Rudy’s daughter Athena is a little over protective of her father believing him to be naive. Playing guard dog to her father, forty-something Athena makes more enemies than friends, and struggles to leave her father alone.
Chocolatier Trevor March agreed to the cruise when his brother’s girlfriend was unable to attend. Kurt March is chaperoning a history class of students on the holiday cruise but nineteen year old Harriett, one of the students takes a liking to Kurt’s brother Trevor, and won’t leave him alone. Trying to distance himself from his brother’s class, Trevor finds himself attracted to Sophie Miles, a woman whose penchant for over reacting and believing she is going to die of any number of diseases pushes Sophie to follow Dr. Rudy like a love-sick puppy, in the hopes of marrying a doctor to cure whatever ails her.
In short: Harriett wants Trevor: Trevor wants Sophie: Sophie wants Dr. Rudy: Dr. Rudy wants Catherine: Catherine wants to survive another year: Athena doesn’t want anyone seducing her father: Sierra wants to save her marriage: and Denise is having the time of her life-got it? Good. It’s like high school all over again !
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS follows several intersecting pathways where love will blossom for some but not for others but saying that ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS has all of the ingredients of a YA (young adult ) novel, and in this I was disappointed with the attitudes and theatrics of most of the storyline’s unlikable characters. There are the jealous rivalries, mean girl comments, pouting and whining, secrets, lies, rejection and love. Poor Dr. Rudy was oblivious to his daughter’s attempts to keep Catherine and Sophie away from her father; and Sophie’s obsessive behavior regarding germs, illness and disease may have been funnier if not for the reality of COVID19 and the numerous deaths reported at sea. ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS is a well-written story line but missed the mark with annoying and unpleasant characters that detracted from a potentially sweet plot.
www.thereadingcafe.com
copy supplied by Netgalley
March 14, 2021
"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."
A widow, Catherine, feels a little bereft when her children plan to leave her alone for Christmas. Her best friend invites her on a cruise to lift her spirits after her uterine cancer surgery and before her chemo and radiation treatments.
Maybe a 3.5, because there aren't that many older character romances. Also, like the no guarantees message.
A widow, Catherine, feels a little bereft when her children plan to leave her alone for Christmas. Her best friend invites her on a cruise to lift her spirits after her uterine cancer surgery and before her chemo and radiation treatments.
Maybe a 3.5, because there aren't that many older character romances. Also, like the no guarantees message.
December 15, 2020
3.5 stars. Just a light holiday read. Wouldn’t it be fabulous to go on a river cruise to the Christmas markets in Germany?
September 22, 2020
Christmas is coming up and it's the first one since 60ish Catherine's husband passed away. She's going to be alone because her two adult children have made plans with their families and neither bothered to include their mother. Plus Catherine recently learned that she has cancer and will be starting chemo in the new year. When her friend, Denise, asks her to go on a week long boat cruise in Germany because another friend had cancelled at the last minute, she goes for it.
Sierra had bought the cruise as a surprise for her husband, Mark, but he's not able to get away from work so she takes her sister, Sophie, instead. Sophie is a hypochondriac but agrees to go.
Rudy is an older doctor whose first wife passed away and his second younger wife, who had only married him for his money, left him for someone with more money. He and his divorced daughter, Athena, will also be on the cruise.
Finally there's Kurt who is taking his German class of older teenagers on the cruise to help them improve their German. He convinces his brother, Trevor, who owns a chocolate making company, to go along.
Right away Sophie has her eye on Rudy ... she figured marrying a doctor would be a good fit for her since she is a hypochondriac. But Rudy has taken a shining to Catherine, who is more mature and his age, and she likes him back but doesn't want to start anything because she feels her upcoming year is uncertain because of her chemo. Athena will do anything to drive both women away from her father because she assumes that all they want it his money. Trevor likes Sophie right away and pursues her. Sierra doesn't get responses from Mark and assumes they are over so that dampens her mood and her trip. Denise is there for a good time and ends up having two men vying for her attention.
I've read many books by this author and this one was okay. It is written in third person perspective, with the focus shifting among the characters and you get to know what they are thinking. Despite all the turmoil, there are lots of happy endings so it's great if you are looking for a nice "feel good" story.
I wasn't crazy about the characters, though. Though Catherine was nice, she seemed to be a bit of doormat. She acknowledged that her kids had been spoiled and now she is paying the price for that since they don't have time for her ... but she doesn't confront them about it. Sierra is afraid Mark is going to leave her. Instead of enjoying her cruise and sister-time and saying "Screw you, Mark!", she lets how she's feeling about the Mark situation ruin it for her. Sophie was just too over the top in pursuing Rudy just because he was a doctor, even when he made it clear that he was interested in Catherine. Rudy seemed to be blind to Athena's rudeness to Catherine and Sophie and she was very unlikable. I can't imagine there being anyone like Trevor and his devotion to Sophie even when she made it obvious she was chasing after Rudy. I thought the most likeable character was Denise ... she was an older gal who just wanted to have fun and had a great attitude.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/09...
Sierra had bought the cruise as a surprise for her husband, Mark, but he's not able to get away from work so she takes her sister, Sophie, instead. Sophie is a hypochondriac but agrees to go.
Rudy is an older doctor whose first wife passed away and his second younger wife, who had only married him for his money, left him for someone with more money. He and his divorced daughter, Athena, will also be on the cruise.
Finally there's Kurt who is taking his German class of older teenagers on the cruise to help them improve their German. He convinces his brother, Trevor, who owns a chocolate making company, to go along.
Right away Sophie has her eye on Rudy ... she figured marrying a doctor would be a good fit for her since she is a hypochondriac. But Rudy has taken a shining to Catherine, who is more mature and his age, and she likes him back but doesn't want to start anything because she feels her upcoming year is uncertain because of her chemo. Athena will do anything to drive both women away from her father because she assumes that all they want it his money. Trevor likes Sophie right away and pursues her. Sierra doesn't get responses from Mark and assumes they are over so that dampens her mood and her trip. Denise is there for a good time and ends up having two men vying for her attention.
I've read many books by this author and this one was okay. It is written in third person perspective, with the focus shifting among the characters and you get to know what they are thinking. Despite all the turmoil, there are lots of happy endings so it's great if you are looking for a nice "feel good" story.
I wasn't crazy about the characters, though. Though Catherine was nice, she seemed to be a bit of doormat. She acknowledged that her kids had been spoiled and now she is paying the price for that since they don't have time for her ... but she doesn't confront them about it. Sierra is afraid Mark is going to leave her. Instead of enjoying her cruise and sister-time and saying "Screw you, Mark!", she lets how she's feeling about the Mark situation ruin it for her. Sophie was just too over the top in pursuing Rudy just because he was a doctor, even when he made it clear that he was interested in Catherine. Rudy seemed to be blind to Athena's rudeness to Catherine and Sophie and she was very unlikable. I can't imagine there being anyone like Trevor and his devotion to Sophie even when she made it obvious she was chasing after Rudy. I thought the most likeable character was Denise ... she was an older gal who just wanted to have fun and had a great attitude.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2020/09...
October 18, 2020
One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts is a heartwarming Christmas story. Our main character is Catherine Pine who is a widow and has been diagnosed with cancer. She has already had extensive surgery to remove the cancer, but Catherine will be having chemotherapy and radiation treatments in the new year. The prior Christmas was dismal because it was the first one without her husband, so Catherine is looking forward to celebrating the holidays with her two children and their families. Unfortunately, the bleak holiday is still fresh in her children’s mind, and they have made other plans. Catherine’s best friend, Denise is taking a Rhine River Christmas Market cruise and she needs a bunkmate. It will be good for Catherine to get out of the house. Once the pair are on the cruise, they meet a diverse group of people. I liked the different characters in the story and the fact that they are varying ages. We get to experience the story from each person’s point-of-view (Catherine, Sophie, Athena, Rudy, Kurt, Trevor, etc.). I liked seeing how people’s perceptions of each character changed as the story progressed. It was hard to like Athena and Sophie in the beginning, but they grow on you. Trevor is one of my favorite characters. I loved that he was a chocolatier who went around handing out his yummy chocolate. One of my favorite lines was, “Chocolate cures everything.” The other line I liked was, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” I picked up One Charmed Christmas and was immediately drawn into the story. I was up quite late reading because I wanted to see how each person’s story ended. I did feel the ending was a little rushed, but it was delightful and left me smiling. I like how the story mixes romance, friendship, family situations, health concerns, and humor into one entertaining tale. I enjoyed the descriptions of the boat, the towns they visited, the Christmas markets, and the items they purchased. There is some mild foul language in the book. I enjoyed Sheila Roberts’ latest Christmas story. It is a great escape book. One Charmed Christmas is a charming Christmas tale with a romantic river cruise, scrumptious chocolate, present shopping, a stubborn student, spouse distress, cancer concerns, and marvelous memories.
September 20, 2020
One Charmed Christmas
Sheila Roberts
September 29, 2020
Sheila Roberts new holiday journey begins with introductions to several characters that are struggling to improve their lives. We begin with Catherine Pine, a widowed mother of two adult children. Both are married. They spend little time with their mother. Oh yes, there are calls and texts but not much time is spent with her. The two have their own families, busy with work and enjoying time off. Catherine approaches her second holiday without William, her husband, who died suddenly of heart failure. Her life is lonely and she would like to have a happy season with visits from her grandchildren. Both children have chosen to visit their spouse’s families out of town. On Christmas Catherine would be alone. She decided to put up a tree complete with all the decorations just because it seemed necessary. Her best friend, Denise has asked her to accompany her on a cruise down the Rhein River in Germany. Recently she had learned she had cancer and would need radiation and chemo after the first of the year. She declined the invite at first but then felt that it would be quite a beautiful area to visit. The ship would stop at various small towns where festivities and holiday fairs would make the trip even more delightful.
Other people from the coast area have had similar invitations to tag along on this same cruise.
Once aboard the ship they all seem to meet and become friends. Most have conflicts in their lives and struggle to improve the quality of daily existence. Each is meeting at the end of a road and needs to decide the direction to travel. It is difficult to take the first step because each needs to figure out the best way to modify the current life patterns.
Robert’s latest novel is entertaining and interesting once I got into the meat of the book. I found it difficult to connect with each of the characters. Once aboard the ship the plot was more interesting and the storyline picked up. It is a good novel to read with the impending season of hope and love approaching. One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts will be published on September 29, 2020 in arrangement with Harlequin Books. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest Sheila Roberts work. It is an excellent time for readers to connect to others by reading such stories to remind us how friends, family and neighbors may be alone during this time of celebration.
Sheila Roberts
September 29, 2020
Sheila Roberts new holiday journey begins with introductions to several characters that are struggling to improve their lives. We begin with Catherine Pine, a widowed mother of two adult children. Both are married. They spend little time with their mother. Oh yes, there are calls and texts but not much time is spent with her. The two have their own families, busy with work and enjoying time off. Catherine approaches her second holiday without William, her husband, who died suddenly of heart failure. Her life is lonely and she would like to have a happy season with visits from her grandchildren. Both children have chosen to visit their spouse’s families out of town. On Christmas Catherine would be alone. She decided to put up a tree complete with all the decorations just because it seemed necessary. Her best friend, Denise has asked her to accompany her on a cruise down the Rhein River in Germany. Recently she had learned she had cancer and would need radiation and chemo after the first of the year. She declined the invite at first but then felt that it would be quite a beautiful area to visit. The ship would stop at various small towns where festivities and holiday fairs would make the trip even more delightful.
Other people from the coast area have had similar invitations to tag along on this same cruise.
Once aboard the ship they all seem to meet and become friends. Most have conflicts in their lives and struggle to improve the quality of daily existence. Each is meeting at the end of a road and needs to decide the direction to travel. It is difficult to take the first step because each needs to figure out the best way to modify the current life patterns.
Robert’s latest novel is entertaining and interesting once I got into the meat of the book. I found it difficult to connect with each of the characters. Once aboard the ship the plot was more interesting and the storyline picked up. It is a good novel to read with the impending season of hope and love approaching. One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts will be published on September 29, 2020 in arrangement with Harlequin Books. I appreciate their allowing me to read and review this latest Sheila Roberts work. It is an excellent time for readers to connect to others by reading such stories to remind us how friends, family and neighbors may be alone during this time of celebration.
October 26, 2020
Sheila Roberts Christmas story this year is one that sounds like a perfect way to spend a Christmas holiday. For various reasons a group of people have chosen to take a European river cruise and manage to meet each other on the ship and become a little group that stick together for the duration. This group is made up of A new widow and her friend, a widower/divorcee who is being protected from "gold-diggers" by his daughter, two sisters (one unmarried, one with issues in her marriage) and a chocolatier who is onboard to help his brother chaperone a group of students.
The story is told from various points of view. We learn how each of the group ended up taking this cruise and some made my eyes leak. With so many characters, it was hard to get to know them all, and some were just there as support. Basically this story is about Rudy and Catherine as well as Sophie and Trevor. I enjoyed listening to how they got to know each other and Trevor provided some humour to the story. As we get to know more about the characters they all became relatable to me and I would love to find out what happened to each of them. This was a fun story and I enjoyed traveling vicariously through these characters eyes. I hope that we will be able to travel again some day, but for now, this was my Christmas Cruise for 2020. I did a read/listen with this story and the audiobook was narrated by Ann Marie Gideon. I have listened to several books she has narrated and enjoy her performances. She has good expression and tone. The voices she gives various characters are differentiated well, including the male ones. A great choice for this story. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
The story is told from various points of view. We learn how each of the group ended up taking this cruise and some made my eyes leak. With so many characters, it was hard to get to know them all, and some were just there as support. Basically this story is about Rudy and Catherine as well as Sophie and Trevor. I enjoyed listening to how they got to know each other and Trevor provided some humour to the story. As we get to know more about the characters they all became relatable to me and I would love to find out what happened to each of them. This was a fun story and I enjoyed traveling vicariously through these characters eyes. I hope that we will be able to travel again some day, but for now, this was my Christmas Cruise for 2020. I did a read/listen with this story and the audiobook was narrated by Ann Marie Gideon. I have listened to several books she has narrated and enjoy her performances. She has good expression and tone. The voices she gives various characters are differentiated well, including the male ones. A great choice for this story. I was gifted a copy of this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
November 29, 2020
As the book begins, eight characters are going through Big Life Things, and they all decide to go on a holiday cruise vacation just before Christmas. They all meet and get to know one another while on their trip, and end up forming close friendships. There are two romance threads that run through the story, nice and light and heartwarming, but I'm not sure that I would call this one a contemporary romance, really. I think it's really nice that these characters learn that they can all lean on one another both during the trip and after, in their real lives.
For a portion of the story, I thought I might rate this one lower because a couple of the characters seem to be so negative when compared with the others, but this really has everything to do with their life circumstances. These same characters developed quite nicely across the entire story, especially as the story neared the end. I love the way everything resolved for everyone involved. The end was the most Christmas-y part of the story.
Thank you to Harlequin MIRA for giving me a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
For a portion of the story, I thought I might rate this one lower because a couple of the characters seem to be so negative when compared with the others, but this really has everything to do with their life circumstances. These same characters developed quite nicely across the entire story, especially as the story neared the end. I love the way everything resolved for everyone involved. The end was the most Christmas-y part of the story.
Thank you to Harlequin MIRA for giving me a free digital copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review!
September 21, 2020
Reading a Sheila Roberts’ Christmas book is an annual tradition that began for me after reading my first one; like the old Lay’s Potato Chip advertisement ... “Betcha can’t eat just one!”
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS, Sheila Roberts’ latest book, is a stand-alone romance novel and it hits the mark on every level. Ms Roberts’ name on the cover is reason enough for me to grab it, but the cover on ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS is ... well ... charming! It sets the reader up for a delightful, festive, fun, and romantic romp as the story revolves throughout a holiday season with a wonderful cast of characters.
The story takes place - for the most part - during a Christmas River Cruise in Germany. The good news is that the author takes us right along on a delightful cruise from one enchanting city to another, describing with detail that comes from either personal experience or painstaking research.
The bad news? Well, after reading ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS, my life will never be entirely complete until/unless I can book a Christmas River Cruise in Germany!!
Being a “person of a certain age”, this was a particularly fun book for me as a main character is a woman who is somewhat older than the typical woman that romance novels usually focus on. But, in Sheila Roberts’ masterful style, there’s a good sized cast of characters of all ages who will remind just about every reader of people in their own lives. Sparkling dialog, likable AND unlikable characters (who, of course become lovable by the end), gorgeous scenery, historical buildings, gotta-have German Christmas Market souvenirs, fancy chocolate and yummy Bavarian pastries ... this author brings it all in this book!
Begin this year’s holiday season with a warm, romantic romp with Sheila Roberts’ newest gift to romance lovers. Prepare to fall in love, laugh, and even get a little weepy ... this author never disappoints!
I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) for my honest review.
Book release date is September 29, 2020
ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS, Sheila Roberts’ latest book, is a stand-alone romance novel and it hits the mark on every level. Ms Roberts’ name on the cover is reason enough for me to grab it, but the cover on ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS is ... well ... charming! It sets the reader up for a delightful, festive, fun, and romantic romp as the story revolves throughout a holiday season with a wonderful cast of characters.
The story takes place - for the most part - during a Christmas River Cruise in Germany. The good news is that the author takes us right along on a delightful cruise from one enchanting city to another, describing with detail that comes from either personal experience or painstaking research.
The bad news? Well, after reading ONE CHARMED CHRISTMAS, my life will never be entirely complete until/unless I can book a Christmas River Cruise in Germany!!
Being a “person of a certain age”, this was a particularly fun book for me as a main character is a woman who is somewhat older than the typical woman that romance novels usually focus on. But, in Sheila Roberts’ masterful style, there’s a good sized cast of characters of all ages who will remind just about every reader of people in their own lives. Sparkling dialog, likable AND unlikable characters (who, of course become lovable by the end), gorgeous scenery, historical buildings, gotta-have German Christmas Market souvenirs, fancy chocolate and yummy Bavarian pastries ... this author brings it all in this book!
Begin this year’s holiday season with a warm, romantic romp with Sheila Roberts’ newest gift to romance lovers. Prepare to fall in love, laugh, and even get a little weepy ... this author never disappoints!
I received an ARC (advanced reader copy) for my honest review.
Book release date is September 29, 2020
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