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Beach House Hotel #4

Christmas at The Beach House Hotel

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Ann and Rhonda are fed up with the way the new, majority owners are changing The Beach House Hotel from the small, elegant hotel they once owned and operated into a tacky, South Beach wannabe property. What’s their only recourse? Buy back the property to save it from getting even worse. And with the new management ruining Ann’s daughter’s plans for a Christmas Eve wedding, they have to get to work right away to regain control of the hotel. Facing a number of challenges along the way, including rumors of Vaughn’s dalliance with Ann’s old nemesis, Lily Dorio, Ann and Rhonda work to make it the best-ever Christmas at The Beach House Hotel.

317 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2020

2315 people are currently reading
413 people want to read

About the author

Judith Keim

129 books957 followers
Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.

She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.

While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.

Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.

To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc

Her website: https://judithkeim.com/

Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...

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5 stars
1,398 (57%)
4 stars
714 (29%)
3 stars
255 (10%)
2 stars
37 (1%)
1 star
9 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
Profile Image for Thereadingbell.
1,433 reviews39 followers
February 19, 2020
Rhonda and Ann take back the wonderful Beach House Hotel and restore it to its former glory and reputation. Typical hateful Brock shows up and continues his annoying destructive behavior and the new villain, Bree, is so annoying you want to rip him out of the book.

Ann and Rhonda have been given a second chance at motherhood and love. Both with failed first marriages meet the loves of their lives before the sale of the Beach House Hotel. They are starting the second chapter in life when rumors start circling about the Beach House Hotel. Ann and Rhonda are enjoying their families, new husband's and life. The Beach House Hotel's staff and guests are not being cared for to these women's high standards. Ann and Rhonda will not let their boutique Hotel fail. They worked too hard to allow this to happen.

It is a sweet feel good romance that makes you smile.
Profile Image for Vikki Vaught.
Author 12 books160 followers
October 5, 2019
Enjoyed the book, but the climatic moment was a bit contrived and too much like the one in the previous book. Also, I didn’t care for the Lily story line. The rest if it was great and everything was tied up with a pretty bow at the end, very satisfying. Happy reading/listening!
Profile Image for Teresa Timm.
23 reviews
October 27, 2017
This is a great book and follow on to the Beach House Hotel series. Once I started this wanted to read until finished to find out what Ann and Rhonda were going to do to get back their businessback as once again sole owners. When Ann's own daughter's wedding was being sabotaged, the ladies knew it was time to intervene and figure out why their business was no longer providing the excellence in service they had established and still expected for their clientele. They begin sleuthing adventures and rounding up prior employees for a big take over....with lives reorganized and new energy, Ann and Rhonda are off and running... I was fortunate to be able to receive an advanced copy to read so I could bring you this review. If you have read the previous Beach House Hotel books you will want to read this and if this is your first Beach House Hotel book you will want to go back and read Judy's previous Beach Hotel books.
Profile Image for Pam Fleming.
1,043 reviews
July 9, 2020
Just a fun sequel to the Beach House series. Ann and Rhonda are fed up with the way the new owners are running the Beach House Hotel. They are steering the hotel towards a different clientele with different standards. As the new staff even cancel plans for Liz’s wedding, it seems to be the last straw. The pair are determined to exercise their option to rebuy the hotel, yet maintain a strong force at home with their families. The pair seeks to rehire as many of the former staff as possible to make the transition a success

More twists and turn occur as the time nears for Liz’s wedding and Ann has to work hard to stop the jealousy bug as Lily seems determined to be linked with Vaughn.

Ann and Rhonda’s family continues to grow and step in to help make the take over of the hotel a success.

Movie star Tina makes an appearance with personal issues In her love life, but the group really works to maintain a huge family presence
Profile Image for Mary Martin.
759 reviews2 followers
October 23, 2022
Another enjoyable story from this series. Easy reads, good characters and nice story line. Ready for the next in the series.
Profile Image for MalJacks.
89 reviews3 followers
December 7, 2020
I loved the storyline, just like all the other books in the series. And books are always better when you love all the main characters (ALMOST all). A few issues though:

Writing style. The dialogue tends towards artificial and stilted. Many times when Ann talks, it sounds like someone writing an email rather than communicating verbally and face-to-face. But the phone calls were the worst. Literally every time someone got a phone call, they'd answer the phone and immediately go into what was on their mind. No hellos or how-are-yous or seeing what was on the caller's mind before starting in. It was very unrealistic and inauthentic, and super rude. This is minor, but because there were so many phone calls it really stuck out.

Whenever Rhonda talked, I got the image of an all-brawn-and-no-brains bull-in-China-shop who has to rely on brute force instead of intelligence and business savvy to get things done. She offered very little to the takeover process outside of money and the original buy-back idea, and the rest of book making threats to anyone who stands in their way and coming close to divulging secrets several times. She seemed more like a liability than a partner, and could have been so much more in this book, a more lovable character like she was in the prior books. Her "dialect" didn't help. Every "ya" instead of "you" was very awkward and, again, felt artificial, and even forced, and it didn't enhance her character at all.

VAUGHN. This bothered me in the previous books too, Vaughn honestly seems like a selfish a--hole a lot of the time, especially when it comes to his work vs. Ann's. When they met, she was in the middle of her rebirth, and take it from someone who has had to rebirth herself as an independent single mother, that is a VERY meaningful experience and not one that you'd easily let go of. But in previous books, Vaughn was so unsupportive of the time the hotel required of Ann, expecting her to always be readily available, at his beck and call, whenever he was able to make an unexpected visit, and as if his work was so much more important than hers, that she should be the one to give up her work almost completely while he could carry on in his job miles away from his family. And in this book, it's no different. He reminds her multiple times that he doesn't want the hotel to interfere with their family and her responsibilities, which is really rich coming from someone who was rarely ever even in the same state as his family, let alone being intimately involved in the day-to-day running of the household and family life. And he took SO LONG to stand up for his marriage in this book, allowing the world to think he was a philanderer, leaving Ann to several awkward conversations having to dispel rumors, not contacting her for days at a time, and then being short with her and cutting her off in phone calls. Honestly, I think in the real world, an agent who couldn't do better for an incredibly successful client doesn't sound like he's worth sh*t, but Vaughn acted like it was a completely helpless situation. He's the one character I just don't like. He can be great, but for me, he can also be selfish, whiny, inconsiderate, and jerky, and for me, those features override his good qualities.

Why kill off so many characters? It didn't add anything to the story to kill Sabine and Tina's brother. It's not like killing a character off a series when you or they don't want to renew their contract. It just seemed like unnecessary tragedy.

Lastly, what about the mystery of the beach hut arson???? Unless leaving this open-ended was a setup for another sequel, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to get rid of Brock Goodwin once and for all. No one even considered him being the culprit even though he was quickest to try to capitalize on its destruction. He's an obnoxious character that I wouldn't miss from the series if Keim decides to have him imprisoned for arson next book?
70 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2017
When Annie and Rhonda found out that their beloved hotel was going to be a possible grab back for them, they wanted to pounce! All it was going to take was an ‘ok’ from their husbands and their attorneys ability to get it back. But some things were already standing in the way. They’d already had several complaints from their customers about the service, from employees who’d left or been fired because of the lack of ability to run the hotel properly. Annie and Rhonda knew how to run the hotel perfectly, they knew it, their customers and employees knew it, even their husbands and families knew it.

But they only had a certain share of the hotel from when they’d sold it, that’s why they needed the help of their attorney. Annie and Rhonda were going to have to do a little bit of playing Dick Tracey of their own to get everything back from what had been destroyed at the precious hotel. They had been so caught up in their own lives and they’d heard what had happened, they hadn’t really seen it before. Not until now.
The Beach House was in ruins, the rooms at the hotel were all needing to be almost completely re-done. What a mess!! Had it not been for that rotten little-good for nothing-Bree, things would be way better! Annie just knew it was him that ruined her Beach House, not to mention canceled her daughter’s wedding plans, just because he could!!

In this cozy, feel good love story, I found myself wanting more of it. I don’t usually read these kind of books, but I did, just for a change. I very much enjoyed it. Very well put together.

I was provided an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Anne.
675 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2021
It was ok

I feel like many of these books are just repeating themselves. Vaughn and Lily drama. Bratty sub characters. Brock always out to get them. Not really sure why Sabine and Tina’s brother needed to die. The deaths didn’t enhance the story, just brought unnecessary sadness.
8 reviews1 follower
October 27, 2017
I received an Advanced Reader's Copy for my unbiased review.
If you haven't started the Beach House Hotel series I suggest you start. This is a wonderful feel good reading experience and series.
Ann and Rhonda have been given a second chance at motherhood and love. Both with failed first marriages meet the loves of their lives before the sale of the BHH. They are starting the second chapter in life when rumors start circling about their first baby the Beach House Hotel. Ann and Rhonda are enjoying their families, new husband's and life. The Beach House Hotel's staff and guests are not being cared for to these women's high standards. Ann and Rhonda will not let their boutique Hotel fail. They worked too hard to allow this to happen. Come along on another wonderful Keim adventure with these two strong women . You will smile, laugh and hope there is another book to come in this series.
Profile Image for Ann-Maree.
1,105 reviews10 followers
October 30, 2017
This was my first ever read by the author Judith Keim and this is book 4 of the series of the "Beach House Hotel". I loved reading this book and the strong relationships the two main female characters had together had me hooked from the start. So I would say you can read these as a stand-alone or at the series, I did not realize this way as series until I was about to write my review. I enjoyed the story of Ann and Rhonda trying to get back their beloved "Baby" the Breach House Hotel. This was a very refreshing read from all the romance books I have been reading of late as this story is about friendship, business, love, family and most of all doing the right thing by everyone. I received this ARC copy and this is my voluntary and honest review. I would recommend this book and series to anyone.
Profile Image for Robin.
1,013 reviews31 followers
December 8, 2025
The protagonist’s plight didn’t grab me. She and her business partner sold a hotel and got upset at what the new owners did, so they decided to buy it back come hell or high water. They had sold it to be “moms,” but for no reason suddenly thought they could juggle everything and be good wives, mothers, and businesswomen. The protagonist didn’t seem to have much mental capacity.

But what made me abandon the book was the obnoxious best friend/business partner. Quick to anger and swear at people, she seemed to have no redeeming qualities. The idea that a clueless woman and woman completely lacking in social skills would enter the hospitality industry is too ludicrous.

Angela Dawe’s excellent reading of the audiobook conveyed the characters’ personalities only too well. Good on her as a narrator, but I had to jump ship early on.
Profile Image for Karina.
600 reviews19 followers
October 28, 2017
This was my first book by Judy Kiem she did not disappoint. Even though this was book four in the series I was able to jump right in and follow the story line. I have since bought the other three books in this series. Once I read the other three books Christmas at the Beach Hotel I was able to see how the two woman had evolved. I am disappointed that this is the last book in this series. I have just found this Author and series and wish it could continue. I highly recommend this book I could not put it down much to my husband’s dismay. I will definitely be reading more of Judy’s books. I received a copy of this book and was glad I was able to finds another new author to add to my list.
Profile Image for Judith.
285 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2017
Not Just Another Christmas Novel
This is book number four in the series and my introduction to Judith Keim’s writing. I wasn’t disappointed. The characters are dimensional and engaging. The plot is well crafted and advances at a pleasing pace. The Florida location is interesting and warming. It was a delight to read a romance novel with mature female protagonists. Ann and Rhoda have life experiences that enrich the story. It’s a clever book about friends and extended family. Buy copies for your book group pals and enjoy this seasonal read. I plan to get the first three books and binge read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. There was no expectation of a favorable review.
Profile Image for Cindy.
778 reviews1 follower
March 12, 2022
Ann and Rhonda take back the Beach House Hotel, taking advantage of the buy-back within 2 years clause in their sales contract. During the time the investment company controlled the hotel, the son of one of the investors had used the hotel to his own profit. He had fired several of the valued employees to bring in his own staff that he could control, ignored the care of the hotel and alienated many of the prior clientele. Liz and Chad are getting married, Vaughn continues to have problems with his co-star, Lily, and Tina reappears at the hotel. Yes, sometimes you want to shake some of the characters, but I find this series a fun getaway and don’t want to put the books down. It’s the type of hotel we would enjoy staying at.
Profile Image for Vicki (MyArmchairAdventures).
394 reviews20 followers
October 27, 2017
I received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my unbiased review. This was my first book by Judith Keim and this book is the 4th in the Beach House Hotel series. The author did a good job of explaining events that had happened in previous books but I would have been more invested in the characters if I had been following them through the previous books. It was a charming book with several conflicts to build drama but I was confident that all would turn out in the end. I think it should be mentioned that if foul language offends you, there are a few F-bombs and other curse words sprinkled throughout.
Profile Image for Amy Haas.
143 reviews
April 25, 2020
Definitely a great wrap up to this series! A lot happens in this book for sure! I'm going to miss the characters and the story line. Reading about bed and breakfast/hotels are one of my favorite reads, probably because I have thought about opening my own Bed and Breakfast. :) I highly suggest these books for an easy read.

1. Breakfast at the Beach House Hotel
2. Lunch at the Beach House Hotel
3. Dinner at the Beach House Hotel
4. Christmas at the Beach House Hotel

Great job Judith Keim and I can't wait to read more of your books.
Profile Image for Avalon.
618 reviews3 followers
June 13, 2022
Ann and Rhonda run the Beach house Hotel but as they were working all the time it left little time for family so they decided to sell. Unfortunately the new owners hired an incompetent manager and he ran it into the ground so Ann and Rhonda made a bid to buy it back and reinstate it so the community and their families could enjoy it but to hire enough staff so they could be in the background. Ann's daughter wants her wedding there and Ann's husband has been linked to a sultry starlet on his soap opera.... He swears it's not true. Fun read
56 reviews
September 25, 2017
I could not put this book down... as a matter of fact I read it in one day. Judith Keim has 3 other books in this series and I recommend you read the first 3 before you read this one so you can grow to know the characters. Judith Keim doesn't make wimpy women or men. She takes you on the journey of the two main characters, Ann and Rhonda, and you fall in love with both of them.

I have read other books of Judith's and encourage everyone to read ALL of them...

Cynthia
369 reviews3 followers
April 27, 2023
Love this series

This book was very hard to put down. Love the story of the love of these two families and the way they have addressed their lives. Ann and Rhonda own a boutique hotel. They have adult children. They sold the hotel to a management company that almost ruined it. Now, they have ownership back, have realigned the staff, and are working hard at resolving the issues. Great read!
Profile Image for Christine Thomas.
47 reviews
October 8, 2017
I truly enjoy this series. The girls who started the Beachhouse Hotel are great characters with so many dimensions to them. Their families are growing and interesting to find out what is coming next. I enjoy read about their challenges not only with their families, but with their friends and balancing work and family.

Great job on another good read.
Profile Image for Geneva.
675 reviews7 followers
October 31, 2017
Love the Beach House Hotel series, Rhonda and Ann have such an amazing time. Everyday is full of surprises, worries and contentment. The sale of the Hotel didn't work out, the girls buy it back, after some dickering, and have to re-model to put it back to the wonderful Hotel it was in the past. Great story,,,,,, hope there is more to come.
Profile Image for Janet Friesner.
940 reviews13 followers
November 22, 2017
This was the fourth book in the Beach House Hotel series I read some time ago. It was lovely meeting all the people again. They had sold the hotel to a chain but the son of one of the Board of Directors was put in charge and was destroying the place so the two ladies who originally built it up used their buy back option. Light and easy and enjoyable.
Profile Image for Linda Garza.
41 reviews
January 31, 2018
What a great follow up to the other 3 books in this series. Loved getting back with Rhonda and Ann to see how they recaptured their hotel!! I would love this series to go on forever. The story is so touching about blended families and their love for each other. Thank you Judith Keim for another wonderful story.
Profile Image for D.M. Miller.
Author 11 books94 followers
July 12, 2020
This book provided a wonderful ending to the Beach House Hotel series. There was more drama in it than in the two middle books, and though none of the sequels can compete with the original story, this one comes close. Everything ties up nicely here, and I would definitely recommend the series as a whole for anyone looking for fun, light reading.
3 reviews
August 6, 2020
Great read

Once I started reading this series time flew by. I had to keep stopping to take care of daily needs and chores but all I could think about was getting back to the book. The characters just came alive with her writings it made me ant to book a stay at the beach house, buy the books you’ll be glad you did. I’m definitely a fan and purchasing another series now
Profile Image for Hyacinth.
2,068 reviews16 followers
September 7, 2023
Did I say how much I loved Rhonda? She is a firecracker! They have come full circle in the hotel business. There were a few near misses but that's typical of life. This particular book did not engage me like the others but it was still a good read. The characters really feel like comfortable friends now.
17 reviews
March 20, 2025
nice book

Loved hearing the takeover of the hotel.
I did get tired of reading about Vaughn and Ann’s intimacy. At times it felt like that’s all she meant to him. He came home from his job in NY and she was expected to be ready for him. I wasn’t thrilled that he didn’t think she should be involved with the Beach House again.
Profile Image for Noreen.
333 reviews15 followers
October 7, 2017
I loved how the author portrayed the two main characters Ann and Rhonda as very strong women. This is my first book in this series. I really look forward to reading the other books in this series.
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
Profile Image for Donna Kale.
1,250 reviews12 followers
July 8, 2019
I hated to finish the last book, it was such a good series, Judith Keim you could add some more books to this series, lots of characters to choose from, I really would love to see more of them!
Great story!
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