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Cheshire Bay #5

Christmas in Cheshire Bay

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Can a Christmas miracle happen even if you don’t believe in the magic?

Mona has never gotten over her last visit to the family's summer beach home thirteen years ago. That was the heartbreaking day her beloved mother passed away. Now, with her sister planning a beach wedding on Christmas Day, Mona must confront her past. All of it. No matter how much it hurts.

Upon arrival to her family's summer home, a twist of fate has her in desperate need of a plan B. In walks Jesse, the sweet--and handsome--next door neighbor, offering up a guest room in his house. Jesse's the type of guy that believes in the magic of Christmas, and wants to remind Mona what it's all about, even if she's not so sure she has any belief left.

But like Mona, Jesse hides beneath his own scars and secrets. Can these two help each other heal old wounds even when their past hurts resurface? Will Mona be able to drop her walls and embrace the magic of the season and finally heal the damage from Christmas' past?

156 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 1, 2021

16 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

About the author

H.M. Shander

46 books503 followers
H.M. Shander is an award winning and USA TODAY bestselling author who is a hopeless romantic and lover of chocolate, coconut and a damn good cup of coffee.

She's the author of several reader's choice books (Bronze medal for Return to Cheshire Bay and the Gold Medal for Living La Vida Mocha). An upcoming release was also a Kobo Writing Life finalist - so watch for that to release soon.
She writes swoon-worthy, gentle beta heroes, in sweet or steamy storylines that all end with a happily ever after.

When not writing, she is a part-time librarian and Educational Assistant to a group of kindergartens, a devoted mother to her two kids, and believes she's married the sweetest man and the greatest inspiration for her heroes.

Sign up for the newsletters: https://h-m-shander.eo.page/z5tgg

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Julie Booklover.
2,114 reviews104 followers
November 1, 2021
I love reading the books in this series, and this one is a holiday-based book that revolves around a wedding!
Mona is unsure about this trip to Cheshire Bay. She has not been here in years since her mother passed. Her life has had some changes of late, and she is sort of in denial. However, her sister Lily is getting married, and Mona plans to be there. Can a Good Samaritan have her looking at the holidays differently?
Mona ends up as Jesse’s roommate due to some problems at the Inn. Can they make new memories for her?
We get caught up with our friends, and I am looking forward to the next book.
Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Penny Leidecker.
2,678 reviews26 followers
October 29, 2021
I loved my return to the Cheshire Bay books. This series has some amazing characters and Mona and Jesse didn’t disappoint. Mona and Jesse first meet when he helps her, after a tire blew out on her way to Lily’s, her little sister. Mona has secrets she’s keeping and she’d rather have stayed at home, but she promised she’d be there for Lily and Eric’s wedding. Mona hasn’t been to Cheshire Bay, since their mom died. She’ll be staying in their old summer house, which Lily has turned into a bed and breakfast. One problem, the furnace is broke. Jesse offers to let Mona stay in his spare room. Jesse has secrets of his own. I won’t leave any spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens while Mona is in town. This broke is about healing and forgiveness, at it’s heart, but you can feel the love amongst the characters.

I received an advanced reader copy and this is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Karen.
18 reviews
October 28, 2021
This book can be read as a stand alone from the other Cheshire Bay books but for me the ones I have read are all wonderful to read. Mona is on her way to Cheshire Bay for her sister's wedding on Christmas Day when she gets a flat tire and to her rescue a handsome truck driver comes to fix it with a little bit of apprehension on Mona's part. Later she finds out her rescuer is Jesse the neighbor and there is plenty of chemistry between them. Mona has issues and Jesse has issues, Mona and her sister are not terribly close and for now Mona doesn't want to tell her sister what is going on in her life. Jesse is a really sweet guy and he wants to show Mona that Cheshire Bay is the perfect place for Christmas. This is a cozy and fun read for any time of the year. The characters are as always interesting and ones from the earlier Cheshire Bay books are brought in to add to the story line. I read this book in one sitting and look forward to more from the author.
Profile Image for Debbie Eyre.
5,918 reviews116 followers
November 1, 2021
A fab novella set in Cheshire bay at Christmas featuring Jesse and Mona. It’s an emotional and magical read with a wedding and lots of Christmas spirit. It made me laugh and it made me ball my eyes out but it was oh so good and is a great addition to this incredible series.
3,714 reviews42 followers
October 24, 2021
This book is exclusive in The Sugar Plum Kisses Anthology and it is Mona and Jesse's story and it is a must read. This is a Beautiful and Magical Christmas Story set in the picturesque town of Cheshire Bay and it is about two people who have gone through so much in there lives but there chemistry is so strong between them when they meet and they may not be able to deny it but there are secrets that hasn't been shared or revealed that could completely ruin everything for her sister who is getting married. I absolutely loved reading about Mona and Jesse and I found myself cheering them along hoping that they would be able to overcome everything and get the happy ending that they both deserve. H. M. Shander is an amazing author and writer and her stories have so much depth to them and that is what pulls you into her books right from the first page and keeps your attention until the last one and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,095 reviews6 followers
November 1, 2021
Mona has lost everything her marriage, her chance for children and her parents. She goes home to her family summer home that her sister has made into a B&B in Cheshire at Christmas time for her sister Lily wedding. When she on her way she has a tire blow out and end on the side of the road. Along come Jesse to change her tire and get her on her way. He follows her and she not to sure why but she get to her sister place and then to the B & B to found out the furnace is out. She end up staying with Jesse in his guest bedroom. She tell him about her divorce and other things she hasn't told her sister about as she don't want to before the wedding. They see something in each other that has been missing in their life. What will this lead to and how will Lily take the news.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Andrea Barth-Leidinger.
417 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2021
Christmas in Cheshire Bay by HM Shander

Cute read, as all of Cheshire Bay books. But this one is somewhat a bit more special. Is it because of the Christmas spirit? I don’t know. I know that at one time I was crying really hard… but mostly I had a smile on my face. Might I say that they deserve each other? Jesse is a cute one and very good for Mona. He cracks her shells one after the other.
And it’s very very nice to meet all of the previous characters again! Amazingly it really isn’t necessary to read the previous books to enjoy this Christmas special as it still is a perfect standalone.
Enjoy your read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
9,376 reviews140 followers
November 5, 2021
This is a well written short story with strong characters in Mona and Jesse. She's dealing with an emotional time and not feeling good about herself or her life. Jesse is happy with his life for the most part but has a secret he's hesitant to reveal to her when they meet. He's all about Christmas while she would rather just skip all the Christmas hoopla. The author does a great job bringing all the feels in their story as she brings them closer together. I loved watching them fall in love and find happiness and peace together during the Christmas season.


I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
Profile Image for Jamie Bee.
Author 1 book122 followers
November 11, 2021
Wounded Hearts Healing at Christmas

This is a sweet romantic novella perfect for the holidays. The author throws you right into the action when our heroine gets a flat tire on the way to visit family for the holidays and a Christmas wedding. The hero shows up fairly quickly; in fact, he helps her with that flat tire. We soon learn both are wounded souls in need of healing and love. I like how the author had them share their stories with each other, her faster than him. Given her complicated relationship with her sister, it was no surprise she needed to unburden on a relative stranger. You couldn't help but appreciate what they'd gone through to get to where they are… and you couldn't help but want them to get together. The story also adds the complexity of a complicated sister relationship, one in which the heroine (the older sister) had been more mother than sibling as they were growing up. But Christmas is certainly not forgotten. In fact, the heroine describes the hero’s house as being decked out like the Griswolds. We also see carolers, and the small town and its shops decorating for the holidays. I liked this couple and enjoyed watching them work toward their HEA.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
5,665 reviews63 followers
November 16, 2021
This should be a Hallmark movie for sure. Mona returns to the area where her family had spent summers. Her sister Lily was getting married on the beach and turning the old home into a B & B. Their mom had passed on Christmas years ago and Mona had not felt like Christmas since.
The characters have great backstories, bring them to similar points many times as they have heartfelt talks. The storyline follows their relationship from Jesse helping her replace a car tire just before she arrives in town, to the two enjoying holiday activities together. I found the best part was the one missing from her life and Jesse just happened to have that covered. The chemistry, the timing and the job opportunity all come together nicely. Great ending and yes, I did cry several times.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ali.
386 reviews11 followers
October 30, 2021
I loved this book and plan to read the others in the series.
Mona gets a flat tire on her way to see her sister in Cheshire bay. The house she hasn’t returned to since their mother died on Christmas 10 years ago. A Good Samaritan stops to help her change the tire but turns out to be a neighbor on the same street where she is staying. Due to unforeseen circumstances she ends up staying in his spare bedroom for the duration of her say .
She has yet to tell her sister that her and her husband have divorced so when she finds them together it is an uncomfortable situation.

She does like Christmas but maybe he can give her a new view of it instead of her old memories.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1 review
October 31, 2021
This was such a cute story- I can picture the Hallmark movie in my mind. The story unfolded just as I hoped it would, with some surprises along the way. The characters are very likeable and well developed, and I wish Cheshire Bay was a real place- I would be planning a vacation there for sure! I loved how this could be read as a standalone story, but the characters are familiar from the other Cheshire Bay books.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,226 reviews38 followers
October 31, 2021
What a sweet Christmas book! This fun romance is a novella in part of the Cheshire Bay series but can be read as a standalone. There are so many charming characters and such a wonderful story line. I love how it touches on helping each other and caring for one another. Everyone deserves a second chance at love. I didn't want it to end. Everyone will enjoy this clean, uplifting holiday story.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
441 reviews3 followers
November 16, 2021
Loved this story! A chance meeting on the side of the road, then realizing he’s friends with her sister (whose wedding she’s come to Cheshire Bay for), along with a broken heater at the bed and breakfast where she’s supposed to stay……..This all leads to her staying in his guest room and romance ensues!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachel.
741 reviews9 followers
October 17, 2021
This book is a sweet addition to the Cheshire Bay series. Mona comes back for her sister Lily's wedding, but her heart is full of grief and failure, both current and past. She is "saved" from a flat tire in freezing conditions by Jesse, who turns out to be her sister's neighbor. She stays with him because her place has no heat. Did I mention this is a small town, on an island, and few services are available during the holidays? So we know what will happen when they start rooming together, but the outcome is so nicely written and so much fun! Jesse shows her how Christmas can be different from what she has been holding in her heart. Secrets on all sides are revealed to better or worse reactions. The sexual tension and heat are there, but less overt sex than other series books.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aimee Convoy.
452 reviews13 followers
October 19, 2021
this is a sweet and loving story that just pulled me in until the last page. I just love Mona and Jesse; how they are well suited together and how he helps Mona with her Christmas problem. I’m loving this series which can also be read as a standalone book but all the characters are involved throughout the books. I can’t not wait to see who is next.
598 reviews6 followers
October 12, 2021
I really enjoyed reading, Christmas in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander because it was such a great story about Mona and Jesse. Mona hasn't been home in quite a while. She had come home for her sister's wedding, but things weren't starting off right for her. She had a secret that no one knew and she didn't want to ruin her sister's wedding. She had met Jesse and sparks flew between them. I loved Jesse's character. He wanted Mona to experience a great Christmas in Cheshire Bay. I loved reading about the other characters in this book and how their lives had been going. Cheshire Bay sounds like a really awesome place to be and live. Love the characters and I loved Jesse and Mona. I received a free book and am voluntarily choosing to leave a review. I would highly recommend reading this story. It was such a great story about starting over.
5,038 reviews27 followers
November 2, 2021
Mona is heading to Cheshire Bay for the first time in years, last time was the Christmas her mother died. Her sister is getting married on Christmas Day at there, she moved there to used the house to open a bed and breakfast. She is not telling her sister that she and her husband divorced, she does not want to spoil her big day.

Jesse moved to Cheshire Bay a few years ago with his wife, she did not like the small town life and the divorced. He has been alone since then, his house is near Mona's sister's house.

When the furnace is not working in the house he offers her to stay in his spare room, instead of sleeping on the couch at her sister's. Mona has not had any spirit for Christmas since the passing of her mom. Jesse loves the Christmas season and seems determined to change her mind. These two lonely souls start to come together but is just for the holiday season.

This was a heartwarming romantic read, Jesse is just and all around good guy and maybe just what Mona needs for the future.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tahnia Ross.
2,184 reviews9 followers
November 4, 2021
In Christmas in Cheshire Bay by H.M. Shander, Mona has disliked just about everything Christmas since her mother passed away on Christmas Eve. She has not even been to the family summer home since then since it brings back bad memories. This Christmas, Mona is driving to Cheshire Bay because her baby sister Lily is getting married at sunset on Christmas Day, and Mona will be the one to give her away. Thirty minutes outside Cheshire Bay, Mona has a flat tire and that is when she meets Jesse who volunteers to change her flat. This short story is full of love, family, and romance, and ends in a HEA. Highly recommended.
33 reviews1 follower
November 8, 2021
Grab this series as soon as you can. So good. Im not a big fan of christmas but this book is wonderful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Katie.
895 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2021
I don’t usually get emotional over books but this was definitely a 3 tissue (or more) story. Mona had a life full of lemons but Jesse and his warmth helped her to open her heart and live life again. Not just being happy for others but happy in herself too. All the little things she did really touched me. Great story!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,352 reviews18 followers
November 2, 2021
A heartwarming, enjoyable and captivating holiday romance. Warning, once you start you won't want to stop. The story flows smoothly and keeps you turning the pages and you can't help but fall in love with the characters. A great read to get you in the Christmas spirit.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Profile Image for Haz.
1,016 reviews8 followers
November 4, 2021
This was a nice festive story return back to Cheshire Bay to see new characters and they drama this was a good read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
594 reviews15 followers
November 2, 2021
It was also a sweet coming home and second chance story with a Christmas theme. I found it to be heartwarming and sweet. I loved the well-developed characters and the romantic Christmas setting. I have read many of this author’s books and am never disappointed.
802 reviews6 followers
September 12, 2021
What an outstanding sweet addition to this treasure trove of romance stories. This storyline pulled me in as Mona is heading to Cheshire Bay for her sister's, Lily, wedding on Christmas day. The author has created a story of second chances for this couple as they meet in the strangest, but kindest of ways and then continue on as circumstances keep opening up for them to share one more thing together. Great characters and the reader also gets a brief touch of people from earlier books in the series. I have enjoyed each book in this series, but this one is my favorite by far.

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.
Profile Image for CATHERINE  BURHANS .
827 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2022
I have read the entire Cheshire series and have thoroughly enjoyed the stories with delightful characters. This one is Mona and Jesse’s story. Mona returns to Cheshire Bay, for her sister’s wedding, after having been gone for many years. Because of her last sad Christmas here, she never celebrates the holidays anymore. But then she meets Jesse, as he comes to her rescue of a flat tire on the highway coming into town. He shows her true Christmas spirit and transforms her holiday, as well as her life. A very endearing story!
Profile Image for natalie .
322 reviews9 followers
October 15, 2021
“Never settle for less than you deserve.” - 4 stars!

Christmas in Cheshire Bay is a novella that is going to be featured in the Christmas romance collection, Sugar Plum Kisses, starring Jesse and Mona. The story takes place in Cheshire Bay, a series that started off with Lily (Mona's younger sister)'s book, Return to Cheshire Bay.

Let's just start off with me saying: I've never read a book from the Cheshire Bay series. Nope, I've been planning to read Lily's story, but I've never gotten around to it. So yeah, you can definitely read this as a standalone.

This was a feel-good small town Christmas romance, Jesse being nothing but a stand up guy that's sweet to Mona, and Mona trying her best to not crash on her sister's happy to-be-wed mood, yet at the same time trying to open herself up to the possibility with Jesse.

I'm happy that it went somewhat more in depth into Jesse's situation with Jenna and how we got to see Sarah in the epilogue. It's also a bit cute how Jesse ended up being the first person in Cheshire Bay that Mona told about her failed marriage. The skating and the sledging were all cute moments shared between the two, and let's not forget the Grinchless Christmas.

In short, this is just the right story if you want to have an early Christmas, want to read it during Christmas or you're just like me, a person who lives on Christmas romances, no matter the time/season.

Anyway, if you're reading this during Christmas, enjoy the holiday!


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. All thoughts and opinions are mine.
4,199 reviews22 followers
July 19, 2023
This is Book 4 of the charming Cheshire Bay series. I have enjoyed all the previous books so far, and this one also did not disappoint. The story was full of heart, with realistic characters which were so easy to relate to. The characters were endearing and really captured my heart and I fell in love with them right from the beginning. Mona and Jesse both have past pains and hide behind their old wounds. Mona hasn't been back to Cheshire Bay since her mother passed - there are just too many painful memories. But when her sister plans a beach wedding, Mona has no choice but to confront all that past pain. When she arrives, there's some complications with the inn she was to stay at and she ends up staying in the neighbor's (Jesse) spare room. There is no shortage of chemistry between them, and there is no way they can deny the beautiful bond that begins to form between them. Jesse has his own share of secrets and past pain, but maybe these two can help each other heal and move on.
Such a heartwarming and beautiful story, that can be read any time of the year! It was well-written and kept me engaged from start to finish. A very lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Ann Marie.
701 reviews2 followers
November 2, 2021
'Christmas in Cheshire Bay' by H.M. Shander is one of the novellas in the multi-author Sugar Plum Kisses: A Sweet Christmas Romance Collection. Ms. Shander's book is about Mona, who is back in town for her sister, Lily's, Christmas wedding, and Jesse, who lives next door to Lily. Jesse and Mona meet when he stops to change her flat tire on the highway on her way into town. Then further comes to her rescue when he offers her a place to stay as the furnace is not working at Lily's B&B which used to be their childhood summer house. Mona was not looking forward to her sister's wedding nor celebrating Christmas as she hasn't for the past few years. Additionally, Lily doesn't know about Mona's divorce as she didn't want to bring her down while she was planning and having her wedding. Turns out that Jessie is divorced as well but he still likes Christmas and he decides to help Mona get her Christmas spirit back.

Ms. Shander has written a charming holiday story with likable characters and an engaging plot. Alhough this book is short it is well written and perfect to enjoy with a mug of hot chocolate

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Courtnee Turner.
Author 13 books225 followers
September 23, 2021
Christmas in Cheshire Bay is a sweet romance that makes you wish there were more men in the world like the characters in H.M. Shander’s books.
Mona Baker has just moved into a new apartment, and she leaves to attend her little sister’s, Lily’s, wedding. On the way to the wedding, Mona meets Jesse. They are instantly attracted to each other, but Mona is afraid to explore her feelings because Lily still believes that Mona is married. Mona and Lily have never been close, so it’s difficult for Mona to tell her that her marriage is over only days before her wedding. The more time she spends with Jesse, though, the harder it is to control her feelings. Will Lily find out about them before Mona and Jesse have time to explore the likelihood of a relationship?
I liked the story. It was a good Christmas romance, and the characters were relatable.
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
I recommend the story for teens and experienced readers who enjoy holiday romance.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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