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Jewell Cove #1.5
Christmas at Seashell Cottage
An abandoned baby plays matchmaker in this heartwarming holiday story in the Jewell Cove series.
Dr. Charlie Yang has just had the strangest first date ever: Caroling, hot chocolate, and an abandoned baby in a manger. Plans with her sexy date must be put on hold as her first priority is caring for the infant. She takes on temporary guardianship, but the big surprise is that her date wants to see her again—baby and all.
Dave Ricker is still finding his feet after life as a SEAL. Working in Jewell Cove puts him closer to his young daughter, and being a better dad is his first priority. But the local doc knows how to raise his temperature, too. One date—no matter how unusual—is not enough.
Planner and perfectionist Charlie is learning how to “go with the flow,” and that includes falling for Dave. But she wants promises he can’t make, security he can’t offer. When the baby’s mother is located, Charlie’s world falls apart. Dave gives her comfort, but can he offer her forever, in time for a perfect Christmas?
Dr. Charlie Yang has just had the strangest first date ever: Caroling, hot chocolate, and an abandoned baby in a manger. Plans with her sexy date must be put on hold as her first priority is caring for the infant. She takes on temporary guardianship, but the big surprise is that her date wants to see her again—baby and all.
Dave Ricker is still finding his feet after life as a SEAL. Working in Jewell Cove puts him closer to his young daughter, and being a better dad is his first priority. But the local doc knows how to raise his temperature, too. One date—no matter how unusual—is not enough.
Planner and perfectionist Charlie is learning how to “go with the flow,” and that includes falling for Dave. But she wants promises he can’t make, security he can’t offer. When the baby’s mother is located, Charlie’s world falls apart. Dave gives her comfort, but can he offer her forever, in time for a perfect Christmas?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 7, 2014
443 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
Donna Alward
285 books692 followersSince 2006, New York Times bestseller Donna Jones Alward has enchanted readers with stories of happy endings and homecomings that have won several awards and been translated into over a dozen languages. She’s worked as an administrative assistant, teaching assistant, in retail and as a stay-at-home-mom, but always knew her degree in English Literature would pay off, as she is now happy to be a full-time writer. Her new historical fiction tales blend her love of history with characters who step beyond their biggest fears to claim the lives they desire.
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
Donna currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada, with her husband and cats. You can often find her near the water, either kayaking on the lake or walking the sandy beaches to refill her creative well.
Find out more at www.donnajonesalward.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
February 1, 2025
Christmas at Seashell Cottage by Donna Alward 4.5 stars
Donna Alward is one of my favourite Canadian authors. In the past I have enjoyed reading many of her novels, especially the series set in Jewell Cove. Christmas at Seashell Cottage proved to be the perfect choice for this time of year.
Charlie Yang, a fairly new doctor in Jewell Cove, had been so involved and dedicated to her work that she had not taken time to socialize and build friendships in the community. So Charlie volunteers to help decorate for Christmas, which sets in motion a chain of events that disrupt her quiet orderly life.
I enjoyed this heartwarming holiday story. 4.5 stars
Donna Alward is one of my favourite Canadian authors. In the past I have enjoyed reading many of her novels, especially the series set in Jewell Cove. Christmas at Seashell Cottage proved to be the perfect choice for this time of year.
Charlie Yang, a fairly new doctor in Jewell Cove, had been so involved and dedicated to her work that she had not taken time to socialize and build friendships in the community. So Charlie volunteers to help decorate for Christmas, which sets in motion a chain of events that disrupt her quiet orderly life.
I enjoyed this heartwarming holiday story. 4.5 stars
October 23, 2014
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is a sweet, heartwarming holiday romance. Donna Alward does a wonderful job of getting two lonely and somewhat lost people together just in time for Christmas. A must read for anyone who enjoys a good holiday romance.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad and The Unread:
I don’t tend to read Christmas stories before December, so I was a little concerned when this repeat, and seasonal, visit to Jewell Cove appeared in October – especially since it was billed as number 1.5 in the series and the second full-length novel was due out soon after (and I’ve since read and reviewed that one). All was not lost, however – this in-between story probably fits better into the sequence if read after the other two – and works very well as a standalone too, since the focus is very much on two characters we haven’t really met before, backed up by a couple of members of the supporting cast from the other stories.
Charlie is one of the local doctors, working with Josh (who has appeared in both the other Jewell Cove stories), but has yet to properly fit herself into the town’s social scene. She’s always been better at working and studying than at partying – possibly as a result of trying to please her high-achiever parents, who are not at all impressed at her decision to practice general medicine in a small town rather than take on a speciality in the city. She’s admired Dave from afar – especially during her lunch breaks – but the pair haven’t spoken to each other prior to the beginning of the town’s Christmas celebrations. Just as they’re about to go for a drink and get acquainted, however, their plans are disrupted by the discovery of an abandoned baby.
Neither can bear to see the little one without a home, so Charlie arranges to care for him at the medical centre and then at her cottage. Other residents of the town rally round to help her, while Dave gets involved too. Dave already has a daughter from a previous relationship and moved to Jewell Cove to be closer to where she and her mother now live, but he hasn’t been planning to settle down just yet. Charlie, on the other hand, has no time for casual relationships and worries about getting her heart broken if she and Dave become close and he then decides to move on.
As the Christmas season continues, the pair have a difficult job of staying just friends, even as Charlie tries to push Dave away. Of course there’s a solution there for them eventually, and there’s also a resolution to the mystery of where baby Daniel came from.
This story is a great way to start my seasonal reading for the year, and it is also great to see more of Jewell Cove, even without any of the main characters from the other books having much to do with this one. I am a little sceptical as to how easily Charlie is allowed to take on the care of a new baby, and would have liked to know more about what was going to happen to him after Christmas, but overall this is a worthy addition to the Jewell Cove series.
I don’t tend to read Christmas stories before December, so I was a little concerned when this repeat, and seasonal, visit to Jewell Cove appeared in October – especially since it was billed as number 1.5 in the series and the second full-length novel was due out soon after (and I’ve since read and reviewed that one). All was not lost, however – this in-between story probably fits better into the sequence if read after the other two – and works very well as a standalone too, since the focus is very much on two characters we haven’t really met before, backed up by a couple of members of the supporting cast from the other stories.
Charlie is one of the local doctors, working with Josh (who has appeared in both the other Jewell Cove stories), but has yet to properly fit herself into the town’s social scene. She’s always been better at working and studying than at partying – possibly as a result of trying to please her high-achiever parents, who are not at all impressed at her decision to practice general medicine in a small town rather than take on a speciality in the city. She’s admired Dave from afar – especially during her lunch breaks – but the pair haven’t spoken to each other prior to the beginning of the town’s Christmas celebrations. Just as they’re about to go for a drink and get acquainted, however, their plans are disrupted by the discovery of an abandoned baby.
Neither can bear to see the little one without a home, so Charlie arranges to care for him at the medical centre and then at her cottage. Other residents of the town rally round to help her, while Dave gets involved too. Dave already has a daughter from a previous relationship and moved to Jewell Cove to be closer to where she and her mother now live, but he hasn’t been planning to settle down just yet. Charlie, on the other hand, has no time for casual relationships and worries about getting her heart broken if she and Dave become close and he then decides to move on.
As the Christmas season continues, the pair have a difficult job of staying just friends, even as Charlie tries to push Dave away. Of course there’s a solution there for them eventually, and there’s also a resolution to the mystery of where baby Daniel came from.
This story is a great way to start my seasonal reading for the year, and it is also great to see more of Jewell Cove, even without any of the main characters from the other books having much to do with this one. I am a little sceptical as to how easily Charlie is allowed to take on the care of a new baby, and would have liked to know more about what was going to happen to him after Christmas, but overall this is a worthy addition to the Jewell Cove series.
January 3, 2015
A nice Christmas read.
October 14, 2014
If you are looking for a delightful, heart-warming Christmas read look no further you have found it. This is a wonderful written book that will draw you in from the start with a wonderful plot that makes this an outstanding read. The author puts a lot of emotion in this story that you can feel coming right through the pages. You can feel their pain, disappointment, happiness and love, you will laugh, you will want to cry and you become a part of the book.
Doctor Charlie Yang has been looking for a quite place to call home she found it at Jewell Cove where nothing much happens. Just a quite little town by the shore where everyone knows everyone, it’s hard to fit in when you are new. Charlie has a hard time becoming part of the town, she is working on fitting in. Charlie has never really had a family life, she wants the whole deal, husband, family and love. She is hoping to find it at Jewell’s Cove but she has about given up. From the first time she sees the handsome man at the dock she fantasies about him. He is one huge handsome hunk, oh to have a man like that.
Ex-SEAL Dave Ricker isn’t really looking for a place to call home, just getting out of the military he is just trying to find his way. Jewell Cove is a place that is close to his daughter so it is as good as any place until he decides what he wants to do with his life. It’s looking like a better place when he runs into Charlie at the church talking to the baby Jesus (that was just so funny). Yes sir she is one sexy tiny little thing that he wants to get to know better.
When they find a real live baby where Jesus should be their life’s are pulled together more. Is this what they need to bring them closer or will it tear them apart. Both are carrying baggage from their past life, can they find out what they want or even need? They are going to have to work through things to find a happy ending if one can be found.
I found this to be a wonderful humorous read that kept me smiling. It is a heart-warming story that will pull you in from the start. It’s a pretty clean read with much love given from the writer. She author hit the small town life and the feelings of the characters right on the head. This is a book you can set down with and enjoy it for what it is, a wonderful heart-warming Christmas story. All the characters are just loveable, there isn’t anyone who you will dislike. Your heart will be broken in more ways than one. The author puts the happy back in Christmas reminding us it is still about family and love. I recommend you add this to your list of books to read over the holidays.
Doctor Charlie Yang has been looking for a quite place to call home she found it at Jewell Cove where nothing much happens. Just a quite little town by the shore where everyone knows everyone, it’s hard to fit in when you are new. Charlie has a hard time becoming part of the town, she is working on fitting in. Charlie has never really had a family life, she wants the whole deal, husband, family and love. She is hoping to find it at Jewell’s Cove but she has about given up. From the first time she sees the handsome man at the dock she fantasies about him. He is one huge handsome hunk, oh to have a man like that.
Ex-SEAL Dave Ricker isn’t really looking for a place to call home, just getting out of the military he is just trying to find his way. Jewell Cove is a place that is close to his daughter so it is as good as any place until he decides what he wants to do with his life. It’s looking like a better place when he runs into Charlie at the church talking to the baby Jesus (that was just so funny). Yes sir she is one sexy tiny little thing that he wants to get to know better.
When they find a real live baby where Jesus should be their life’s are pulled together more. Is this what they need to bring them closer or will it tear them apart. Both are carrying baggage from their past life, can they find out what they want or even need? They are going to have to work through things to find a happy ending if one can be found.
I found this to be a wonderful humorous read that kept me smiling. It is a heart-warming story that will pull you in from the start. It’s a pretty clean read with much love given from the writer. She author hit the small town life and the feelings of the characters right on the head. This is a book you can set down with and enjoy it for what it is, a wonderful heart-warming Christmas story. All the characters are just loveable, there isn’t anyone who you will dislike. Your heart will be broken in more ways than one. The author puts the happy back in Christmas reminding us it is still about family and love. I recommend you add this to your list of books to read over the holidays.
October 7, 2014
This is a fantastically heartwarming story that will get you into the holiday spirit! All alone at Christmas Charlie hopes for more but she gets more than she bargained for when a baby and a HOT SEAL land in her lap! Great story with characters that will have you cheering and the small town of Jewell Cove comes alive with holiday cheer. You definitely want this on your holiday reading list. I highly recommend it!
December 11, 2017
3.5*
Charlie is fairly new to Jewell Cove, a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. She's been trying to fit in and volunteers to help with holiday decorations. Charlie has noticed Dave before (she watches him work while on her lunch break). Dave is also new to the town. They get introduced. Their night is interrupted when they find an abandoned baby in the nativity scene.
What followed was a nice, sweet holiday romance. I liked both characters. I did get to know Charlie, but Dave not-so-much. I would have liked to have learned more about him. Well paced, story worked well with the length. (If this had been a full length novel, I would have gotten annoyed- probably- with the "I liked you, but..." issues).
Charlie is fairly new to Jewell Cove, a small town where everyone knows everyone else's business. She's been trying to fit in and volunteers to help with holiday decorations. Charlie has noticed Dave before (she watches him work while on her lunch break). Dave is also new to the town. They get introduced. Their night is interrupted when they find an abandoned baby in the nativity scene.
What followed was a nice, sweet holiday romance. I liked both characters. I did get to know Charlie, but Dave not-so-much. I would have liked to have learned more about him. Well paced, story worked well with the length. (If this had been a full length novel, I would have gotten annoyed- probably- with the "I liked you, but..." issues).
June 6, 2021
I don’t like these short add in stories. The story was sweet enough but there isn’t time for adequate character development and their interaction with the community seems forced.
October 16, 2014
Charlie Yang is the local doctor who is fairly new to town. She moved here to be part of a community, something she never felt growing up. She is an only child of very productive parents who always put their research studies or work ahead of others and hardly had time for a child. She was a lonely child and thinks about having a family in the future.
Dave Ricker works at the boat docks and is also new to town. He moved to the area to be near his three year old daughter Nora. His life is up in the air, and he has no plans for the future other than to be near his daughter. Charlie and Dave meet while decorating the town for Christmas and again during the tree lighting ceremony and fine there is mutual attraction, it gets complicated when they find a baby in the manger. Charlie wants forever but agrees to a no strings arrangement to please Dave, but she is unhappy and pushes for more, while he backs away.
I went in to this feeling it would be a light hearted romance with Christmas as the background for a fun seasonal read. Yet there is enough emotional turmoil to satisfy those that want more.
Charlie is looking for something she has never had but she still wants to please others and she does it so subtly that it was hard to notice, she agrees to Dave’s suggestion, almost out of habit, to get what she wants, so to be with Dave she sacrifices. Yet she does not want a no strings relationship, she struggles with it daily while they are together and finally when she tells him what she wants, I was cheering her even as he walks away. But she needed to do it and I was proud of her.
Dave is less complicated, he married a woman he considered a good friend but they did not make good partners and because of his job, it was easy for his marriage to dissolve. They have a child and he wants to be part of her life, that is his only mission right now and he does not want anything to complicate it. Unfortunately Charlie wants more. They both do this dance of pushing and pulling not knowing how to proceed until they both just walk away, and it takes some time apart for them to realize what they truly want.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
Dave Ricker works at the boat docks and is also new to town. He moved to the area to be near his three year old daughter Nora. His life is up in the air, and he has no plans for the future other than to be near his daughter. Charlie and Dave meet while decorating the town for Christmas and again during the tree lighting ceremony and fine there is mutual attraction, it gets complicated when they find a baby in the manger. Charlie wants forever but agrees to a no strings arrangement to please Dave, but she is unhappy and pushes for more, while he backs away.
I went in to this feeling it would be a light hearted romance with Christmas as the background for a fun seasonal read. Yet there is enough emotional turmoil to satisfy those that want more.
Charlie is looking for something she has never had but she still wants to please others and she does it so subtly that it was hard to notice, she agrees to Dave’s suggestion, almost out of habit, to get what she wants, so to be with Dave she sacrifices. Yet she does not want a no strings relationship, she struggles with it daily while they are together and finally when she tells him what she wants, I was cheering her even as he walks away. But she needed to do it and I was proud of her.
Dave is less complicated, he married a woman he considered a good friend but they did not make good partners and because of his job, it was easy for his marriage to dissolve. They have a child and he wants to be part of her life, that is his only mission right now and he does not want anything to complicate it. Unfortunately Charlie wants more. They both do this dance of pushing and pulling not knowing how to proceed until they both just walk away, and it takes some time apart for them to realize what they truly want.
Complete review at: Ramblings from a Chaotic Mind
Copy from publisher for an honest review
November 17, 2014
In Christmas At Seashell Cottage (Jewell Cove 1.5) by Donna Alward, Charlie is a local Doctor in Jewell Cove. She loves where she lives, what she does and dreams of finding the right man to settle down with one day. She feels lonely at times and has a hard time getting to know people in a small town where everyone knows each other. Part of the problem is that she keeps herself somewhat distant, thinking that is the right thing for her to do as the Doctor of many of these people. She is also dealing with feeling like a disappointment to her parents, even though she's doing what she wants to do...to do good for people. Volunteering to help set up the town's nativity sets off a chain of events that have the potential to change things for Charlie.
Dave is a former SEAL who is in Jewell Cove temporarily, to be close to his young daughter and decide what he wants to do next. The last thing he expects is to meet up with someone like Charlie. Someone who makes him feel more than he expects to. When the two of them find an abandoned baby in the nativy's manger, Dave finds himself helping Charlie, then spending more and more time with her. As attracted as they are to each other, they are both looking for much different things. Can Charlie settle for a fling when she wants so much more? The magic of Christmas in small town Jewell Cove might bring both of them more than either of them dreamed of if they can take the chance.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage is a fast paced, heart warming Christmas novella. Donna drew me into Charlie and Dave's lives quickly, and they were both easy to like. They are both mature and dealing with other issues in their lives besides a relationship, and this made them believable. I like how Donna brought them together, the conflicts they faced, and the feelings they had. Donna manages to pack a lot of emotion in a realistic way into Christmas At Seashell Cottage.
I really enjoyed the small town setting of Jewell Cove, especially around Christmas. With her descriptive writing Donna took me right there.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage can definitely be read as a stand alone and I'd recommend it to romance readers looking for a sweet Christmas romance.
Dave is a former SEAL who is in Jewell Cove temporarily, to be close to his young daughter and decide what he wants to do next. The last thing he expects is to meet up with someone like Charlie. Someone who makes him feel more than he expects to. When the two of them find an abandoned baby in the nativy's manger, Dave finds himself helping Charlie, then spending more and more time with her. As attracted as they are to each other, they are both looking for much different things. Can Charlie settle for a fling when she wants so much more? The magic of Christmas in small town Jewell Cove might bring both of them more than either of them dreamed of if they can take the chance.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage is a fast paced, heart warming Christmas novella. Donna drew me into Charlie and Dave's lives quickly, and they were both easy to like. They are both mature and dealing with other issues in their lives besides a relationship, and this made them believable. I like how Donna brought them together, the conflicts they faced, and the feelings they had. Donna manages to pack a lot of emotion in a realistic way into Christmas At Seashell Cottage.
I really enjoyed the small town setting of Jewell Cove, especially around Christmas. With her descriptive writing Donna took me right there.
Christmas At Seashell Cottage can definitely be read as a stand alone and I'd recommend it to romance readers looking for a sweet Christmas romance.
January 16, 2016
One of my favorite books that I read in 2015 was
The House on Blackberry Hill
by Donna Alward, the first book in the Jewell Cove series. That book was just amazing, and naturally, I want to read more from this series. Luckily, my amazing Secret Sister sent me Christmas at Seashell Cottage, book 1.5 in the series, and it was absolutely adorable.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is a novella about fairly new-to-town Doctor Charlie Yang and former Navy Seal Dave Ricker. Their meet-cute is seriously, seriously adorable. And right away they are attracted to each other. But then, things get off course when they discover a baby left in the manger in The Nativity Scene at the town church.
Charlie was really likable and easy to relate to. Her parents weren’t the most loving, however they were very demanding of her to do well in school, college, medical school, and her medical career. But Charlie decided to move to a small town, Jewell Cove, and be a general practioner, despite her parents hope that she would be a big name doctor in a big name hospital. Charlie is still a little unsure of herself, though, and I could really relate to that.
Dave is totally hunky, but he's in an odd place. He recently left the Navy and moved to Jewell Cove because he wanted to be close to his daughter. He isn’t really looking for anything lasting, because he's not sure what his ultimate plan is going to be. He just wants to be able to spend time with his daughter. But he can’t resist Charlie.
The romance isn’t steamy, but it is heartfelt, and I really like that Charlie and Dave took things slow. They were both very respectful of the other. I can’t say that Christmas and Seashell Cottage is going to stick with me, but it is a great book to read this time of year. And I definitely want to read more Jewell Cove.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is a novella about fairly new-to-town Doctor Charlie Yang and former Navy Seal Dave Ricker. Their meet-cute is seriously, seriously adorable. And right away they are attracted to each other. But then, things get off course when they discover a baby left in the manger in The Nativity Scene at the town church.
Charlie was really likable and easy to relate to. Her parents weren’t the most loving, however they were very demanding of her to do well in school, college, medical school, and her medical career. But Charlie decided to move to a small town, Jewell Cove, and be a general practioner, despite her parents hope that she would be a big name doctor in a big name hospital. Charlie is still a little unsure of herself, though, and I could really relate to that.
Dave is totally hunky, but he's in an odd place. He recently left the Navy and moved to Jewell Cove because he wanted to be close to his daughter. He isn’t really looking for anything lasting, because he's not sure what his ultimate plan is going to be. He just wants to be able to spend time with his daughter. But he can’t resist Charlie.
The romance isn’t steamy, but it is heartfelt, and I really like that Charlie and Dave took things slow. They were both very respectful of the other. I can’t say that Christmas and Seashell Cottage is going to stick with me, but it is a great book to read this time of year. And I definitely want to read more Jewell Cove.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
October 17, 2014
Summary: This is the story of a young doctor, Charlie Yang, who feels she does not fit into the small town where she works. She meets Dave Ricker, a former Navy SEAL who has come to the town to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. They feel an immediate attraction. They are further drawn together when a young baby is discovered in the town’s nativity scene manger at a gathering for decorating the town.
Both are reluctant to take the next step because of directly opposite reasons: Charlie feels she is ready for a family and does not want a meaningless fling; and Dave is afraid of commitment because he feels he will not be good at having a family. The Donna Alward book is about how they learn to trust themselves and each other.
My thoughts: This is a heart-warming, lovely small town story full of holiday spirit. Although it is predictable, it is enjoyable because of the very fact that it is so.
Charlie and Dave are both great characters and their story has a wonderful setting. The descriptions of the town, the people, Charlie’s cottage, the manger and the baby are good.
I am from a small town; so I can relate to the situation of everyone knowing everyone else and the happenings in their lives. It can be comforting and disturbing in equal measure. It can be hard for outsiders to feel a part of a place where many share the same past and a strong sense of community.
My only criticism would be that the reasons for the hero and heroine not committing to each other seem slightly unbelievable after you read it the first few times. I mean, they are smart, sensible people; how can they be so dense when it comes to recognizing what is good for themselves? It could be the sign that it is a good story that you feel involved enough to wonder about this!
The book is a warm, quick read. It is apt for the Christmas season because of its message of trust and the subtle Christian vibe.
Note: This book was given to me by St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. I thank them for that.
Read all my reviews at My Two Pennies' Worth
Both are reluctant to take the next step because of directly opposite reasons: Charlie feels she is ready for a family and does not want a meaningless fling; and Dave is afraid of commitment because he feels he will not be good at having a family. The Donna Alward book is about how they learn to trust themselves and each other.
My thoughts: This is a heart-warming, lovely small town story full of holiday spirit. Although it is predictable, it is enjoyable because of the very fact that it is so.
Charlie and Dave are both great characters and their story has a wonderful setting. The descriptions of the town, the people, Charlie’s cottage, the manger and the baby are good.
I am from a small town; so I can relate to the situation of everyone knowing everyone else and the happenings in their lives. It can be comforting and disturbing in equal measure. It can be hard for outsiders to feel a part of a place where many share the same past and a strong sense of community.
My only criticism would be that the reasons for the hero and heroine not committing to each other seem slightly unbelievable after you read it the first few times. I mean, they are smart, sensible people; how can they be so dense when it comes to recognizing what is good for themselves? It could be the sign that it is a good story that you feel involved enough to wonder about this!
The book is a warm, quick read. It is apt for the Christmas season because of its message of trust and the subtle Christian vibe.
Note: This book was given to me by St. Martin's Paperbacks in exchange for an honest review. I thank them for that.
Read all my reviews at My Two Pennies' Worth
December 20, 2014
I glanced over several of the book’s reviews before I began reading and the one word that kept popping up was “heartwarming.” After I finished it, I can see why. This is a heartwarming story of two lonely people who’ve found each other during the Christmas season. Not wanting to rush too fast or label their feelings, Charlie and Dave set a leisurely pace in getting to know one another, and both falling hard and fast in the process.
It was so easy to fall in love with these characters. Charlie is a doctor and was raised to make decisions on logic and purpose, but when she finally meets the man she’s been crushing on face-to-face, she finds that her dreams and her reality are very different. Dave is a former Navy SEAL who’s taken on a temporary job to be closer to his daughter. When a chance meeting with the lovely doctor ignites a strong attraction, Dave struggles with the need to spend more time with Charlie while respecting her need to keep him—and his temporary plans of staying in Jewell Cove—at arm’s length.
I absolutely loved the book! I was completely vested in the story and enjoyed every word of it. The characters are likable and easily relatable. The romance was slow and I loved the fact that Charlie and Dave took the time to get to know each other despite their strong sexual attraction. Also, I appreciated the author’s decision to keep the profanity minimal and the love scenes tasteful. I loved it! I want to read all the books and learn about all the people of Jewell Cove.
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE is a delightful read with realistic and endearing characters and a beautiful love story. I recommend it to all readers who love Christmas-themed small town stories full of heart!
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
It was so easy to fall in love with these characters. Charlie is a doctor and was raised to make decisions on logic and purpose, but when she finally meets the man she’s been crushing on face-to-face, she finds that her dreams and her reality are very different. Dave is a former Navy SEAL who’s taken on a temporary job to be closer to his daughter. When a chance meeting with the lovely doctor ignites a strong attraction, Dave struggles with the need to spend more time with Charlie while respecting her need to keep him—and his temporary plans of staying in Jewell Cove—at arm’s length.
I absolutely loved the book! I was completely vested in the story and enjoyed every word of it. The characters are likable and easily relatable. The romance was slow and I loved the fact that Charlie and Dave took the time to get to know each other despite their strong sexual attraction. Also, I appreciated the author’s decision to keep the profanity minimal and the love scenes tasteful. I loved it! I want to read all the books and learn about all the people of Jewell Cove.
CHRISTMAS AT SEASHELL COTTAGE is a delightful read with realistic and endearing characters and a beautiful love story. I recommend it to all readers who love Christmas-themed small town stories full of heart!
***I was gifted an eBook copy from the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own***
September 25, 2014
This is a heart-warming story about a young doctor who is having trouble fitting into her small town and a former Navy SEAL who has come to the town to figure out what to do with the rest of his life. Charlie Yang and Dave Ricker are suddenly drawn to each other when a young baby is discovered in the town’s nativity scene manger. Neither Charlie nor Dave wants the same thing. Charlie wants her dream life, including a loving husband and family. Dave is afraid of commitment. These two spend the story dancing around a relationship. However, the young baby draws them together on every account. This is truly a good holiday story of romance, commitment, and what life in a small town during the holiday season is like. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, though it was very predictable. The author really brought the personalities and past experiences and their impact for the two main characters. Reading, I felt every bit a part of this small but wonderful town. This is a great holiday chick lit book that will provide the reader a welcome respite from the hubbub of everyday life, as it brings home the true meaning of the season. I have not read any others of the author’s books, but will look for them after reading this fantastic book. Though very predictable and a lot like other books in the genre, the author still made me feel as if I was reading something wonderful and unique I recommend it to anyone looking for a feel-good book to get into the holiday spirit. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.
April 9, 2015
Can you imagine walking along with the guy you’ve been fantasizing about for months and finding an abandoned baby? Neither could Charlie!
Charlie is a slightly damaged doctor who has relocated to Jewell Cove to carve out a different kind of life for herself. Part of this new life just so happens to involve drooling over one of the local dock workers and wondering who he was and what it would be like to be with him. Charlie is definitely spunky and no-nonsense, but she is pretty fragile on the inside. It was interesting to read how her character changed over the course of the book.
Enter Dave, said admired dock worker, who runs into Charlie and cannot deny the attraction that overwhelms him. Dave, too, is slightly damaged. A former Navy SEAL, he is pretty laid back but lets his alpha loose every now and then!
I really liked the whole abandoned-baby aspect. It added something very unique to the story and gave it unpredictability. It also added to Dave’s cuteness factor to read about how he interacted with the baby!
All in all, this was a great holiday story to read! The attraction between Charlie and Dave smolders and the ending is very touching. I really liked this boo
Charlie is a slightly damaged doctor who has relocated to Jewell Cove to carve out a different kind of life for herself. Part of this new life just so happens to involve drooling over one of the local dock workers and wondering who he was and what it would be like to be with him. Charlie is definitely spunky and no-nonsense, but she is pretty fragile on the inside. It was interesting to read how her character changed over the course of the book.
Enter Dave, said admired dock worker, who runs into Charlie and cannot deny the attraction that overwhelms him. Dave, too, is slightly damaged. A former Navy SEAL, he is pretty laid back but lets his alpha loose every now and then!
I really liked the whole abandoned-baby aspect. It added something very unique to the story and gave it unpredictability. It also added to Dave’s cuteness factor to read about how he interacted with the baby!
All in all, this was a great holiday story to read! The attraction between Charlie and Dave smolders and the ending is very touching. I really liked this boo
October 8, 2016
3.5-4 Stars
This story is one of three novellas within the holiday novella anthology, It Must Be Christmas. This particular story is the longest coming in at close to 200 pages. Leaving a large city medical career behind, Charlotte (Charlie) opts for a career as a small town MD. Growing up as an only child, she longs for companionship and a family. Ex-Seal, Dave Ricker, is temporarily working in the boat yard while he decides his next move. After a meet-cute in front of the town's nativity, a mutual interest blossoms. An abandoned baby, different expectations, and self-doubt challenge Charlie and Dave burgeoning relationship.
Being on the longer side for a novella, it allows for more development of characters, backstories, and story conflict. I was pleased that it felt more like a full length book and that it didn't leave me wanting more. I did find the ending a bit rushed as far as how the romance progressed, but at the same time, it wasn't entirely implausible. Christmas at Seashell Cottage takes place after the first book in the Jewel Cove series by Donna Alward, but stands on its own. It's a nice glimpse into the series
I received this novella from the publisher (via Netgalley) in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
January 24, 2017
When Charlie Yang, a local doctor in the town of Jewell Cove, Maine, volunteers to help with the nativity scene outside the Jewell Cove Church, she intended it as a way to feel more a sense of belonging outside of her work in the town. She also harbors a secret crush on Dave, a man who worked on the docks, and to her astonishment, he shows up as she is setting up the manger. They're both surprised moments later when the Baby Jesus is replaced by a real infant, abandoned by its mother in the cold night. Charlie quickly takes on the task of helping the baby until the mystery of where he came from is solved. At the same time, she and Dave develop a friendship which turns romantic, but neither are sure of the level of commitment. While Dave intended on a short stay in Jewell Cove to be near his daughter from his first marriage, Charlie fears giving her heart to someone who may soon leave is to painful an experience. She needs someone who'll stick around and provide the home she always wanted while growing up as an only child of highly ambitious parents. Romance, however, between her and Dave turns passionate as they let their guards down, and soon they must decide whether to stay together or go their separate ways. Warm, humorous, and spicy at times.
October 13, 2014
This is a quintessential Christmas romance. The setting is an idyllic Maine coastal town complete with tree-lighting ceremony and nativity scene. Dave and Charlene are two people who are looking for love but afraid to commit. I fell in love with both characters and was pulling for them the entire time and it was wonderful when they finally come together but I still wanted more.
Given the nature of holiday romances they are shorter and are usually teasers to full-length stories in a series. I am desperately hoping Dave and Charlene get a full-length novel so we can see their relationship fully flesh out and learn what happens to baby Daniel. This was just such a wonderfully sweet story that I don’t want to let the characters go with so many questions left unanswered.
***************Minor Spoiler Alert****************
The main reason I am unable to give this story 5 stars is because the plot line with Daniel is left unresolved. As a mother I just feel unsettled knowing his permanent home situation is not taken care of. Otherwise it is a great story and I hope we can see more of these characters in the future.
Given the nature of holiday romances they are shorter and are usually teasers to full-length stories in a series. I am desperately hoping Dave and Charlene get a full-length novel so we can see their relationship fully flesh out and learn what happens to baby Daniel. This was just such a wonderfully sweet story that I don’t want to let the characters go with so many questions left unanswered.
***************Minor Spoiler Alert****************
The main reason I am unable to give this story 5 stars is because the plot line with Daniel is left unresolved. As a mother I just feel unsettled knowing his permanent home situation is not taken care of. Otherwise it is a great story and I hope we can see more of these characters in the future.
October 12, 2014
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is the first book that I have read in this series. I loved it and think I could live in Jewell Cove! The author paints a perfect picture of the holidays with her words. I felt like I knew exactly what the town, the shops, the manger, Charlie's cottage and the people looked like.
This is a heartwarming romance set at Christmas. I loved the day they went shopping and could just picture all the shops and the street decorated. The author wrote a wonderful story and the characters really did Christmas things to really put you in the holiday spirit.
I plan on reading more from this author, especially this series. The story was well written and the characters were all very likable. This is an excellent feel-good read for Christmas.
Do I recommend this book? If you like Christmas romances, you will want to grab this one. Definitely one of my favorites so I highly recommend it!
* Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this book to read and review in exchange for an honest review.
This is a heartwarming romance set at Christmas. I loved the day they went shopping and could just picture all the shops and the street decorated. The author wrote a wonderful story and the characters really did Christmas things to really put you in the holiday spirit.
I plan on reading more from this author, especially this series. The story was well written and the characters were all very likable. This is an excellent feel-good read for Christmas.
Do I recommend this book? If you like Christmas romances, you will want to grab this one. Definitely one of my favorites so I highly recommend it!
* Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for giving me this book to read and review in exchange for an honest review.
November 21, 2021
A small-town romance that touches the heart, especially as it encompasses the spirit of Christmas in every way. Charlie has kicked over the traces by taking a position as a doctor in Jewell Cove, much to the disgust of her ambitious parents. Whilst working in the small town brings its own rewards, it hasn't brought the love she so longs for. That is until she volunteers to assist with setting up the Christmas Nativity scene in front of the Church. Caught talking to the doll that represents the baby Messiah, Charlie is embarrassed to be interrupted by the one man she has been crushing on. There is an immediate attraction between them, but the normal courtship dance is interrupted when Dave notices someone replacing the doll in the manager with a real live baby. This proves to be both a good thing and one fraught with difficulties. Whilst Charlie is left holding the baby, literally, Dave has to work through issues of his past and deal with the fallout. Ultimately this sweet romance comes to a delightful conclusion, just in time for Christmas.
September 19, 2014
Charming, heart-warming, HEA holiday romance about a doctor who is having a hard time fitting in to her small town and an ex-Navy Seal who is afraid to commit. They meet at a holiday decorating gathering and feel an immediate attraction. When they discover an abandoned baby, they are drawn even closer together. But both are afraid to make a commitment, so there's a lot of dancing around their feelings for each other. It's a nice and pleasant read, but some of the "problems" between them seem a little forced and unnecessary. There also are a few comments about other people that were a little random, alluding to their history that I don't think was ever explored in this book. All in all, nice, warm, quick read, with a bit of a Christian vibe, although that's not directly mentioned. I totally love the cover! I will read more from this author.
October 9, 2014
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is a lovely small town story of learning to trust. Having lived in a small town for many years, Donna Alward has hit the nail directly on the head with what can be the downside of small towns. It can be hard for outsiders to feel a part of a place where many share the same past. That can be difficult for a new person who longs for s sense of community. I find Charlie Yang to be such a person.
From here, the story reads like the romantic Christmas movies that draw me into the joy and love of the season. The real baby in the manger is the catalyst that provides for the Decker and Charlie to form a true relationship. This is a feel good, real life happily ever after. Just the kind of feeling that put you in the Christmas spirit.
NetGalley provided a copy.
From here, the story reads like the romantic Christmas movies that draw me into the joy and love of the season. The real baby in the manger is the catalyst that provides for the Decker and Charlie to form a true relationship. This is a feel good, real life happily ever after. Just the kind of feeling that put you in the Christmas spirit.
NetGalley provided a copy.
March 15, 2015
This is a light romantic read with good depth of characterisation and setting. We get contrasts and compassion as a young woman who feels desperate abandons her baby in a manger in a Maine town's Nativity scene.
The principal characters are a young doctor and a roving dock worker, who come across the baby after an evening of hot chocolate around the town tree and fortunately prior to repairing to a bar. The lady doctor has been attracted to her rugged helpmate when putting up decorations, but is quite shy. Now she's all professional as there is an infant to care for and forms to fill. Will this ruin her Christmas, or make it special in more ways than one?
This story is an adult romance with a tender heart. Plenty of good description of the town and Christmas preparations, yet it never gets sickly sweet. I enjoyed the short read.
The principal characters are a young doctor and a roving dock worker, who come across the baby after an evening of hot chocolate around the town tree and fortunately prior to repairing to a bar. The lady doctor has been attracted to her rugged helpmate when putting up decorations, but is quite shy. Now she's all professional as there is an infant to care for and forms to fill. Will this ruin her Christmas, or make it special in more ways than one?
This story is an adult romance with a tender heart. Plenty of good description of the town and Christmas preparations, yet it never gets sickly sweet. I enjoyed the short read.
October 5, 2014
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is another of those heart-warming books that come out every Christmas season. If you are like me and love Christmas and the stories Christmas at Seashell Cottage is the book for you.
Charlie Yang and Dave Ricker are both great characters. Charlie feels like she has never fit in. She loves Jewell Cove but after a year still feels like an outsider. She meets Dave and a series of events start to change that feeling. Both have events from the past they must overcome to get to their HEA. That journey makes for a great story with a wonderful setting and side characters.
The story line is familiar but it is familiar because it works when used by an accomplished author like Donna Alward. Pick it up if you love Christmas Romances.
Charlie Yang and Dave Ricker are both great characters. Charlie feels like she has never fit in. She loves Jewell Cove but after a year still feels like an outsider. She meets Dave and a series of events start to change that feeling. Both have events from the past they must overcome to get to their HEA. That journey makes for a great story with a wonderful setting and side characters.
The story line is familiar but it is familiar because it works when used by an accomplished author like Donna Alward. Pick it up if you love Christmas Romances.
December 4, 2015
As much as I was excited to read this novella, it didn't really live up to my hopes for it. I ended up only mildly curious to know where the baby came from, where he'd end up and whether Charlie and Dave would end up together. The settings were beautifully described, but the characters were rather thin and flat for me. Occasionally, they'd become more interesting, but they'd almost immediately revert back to thin and flat.
I read somewhere that there's another book before this one and that this book is better read after that one. Perhaps that's true, and this book would have been more interesting to me had a read the other book. But on its own, it was a miss for me.
I read somewhere that there's another book before this one and that this book is better read after that one. Perhaps that's true, and this book would have been more interesting to me had a read the other book. But on its own, it was a miss for me.
September 29, 2016
This story is about two people who didn't really know what they were missing until they found each other. Actually, both felt that something was lacking in their lives, but they weren't sure how to find what they needed. It's a serious storyline that deals with everyday difficulties in life and love.
Charlie is a doctor who moved to Jewell Cove to get away from the city. She still doesn't quite feel like a local though. Dave is an ex SEAL who is also new to town. They go through some grown up problems and have a realistic romance.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is for those looking for a small town Christmas read with some depth and a happy ending.
Charlie is a doctor who moved to Jewell Cove to get away from the city. She still doesn't quite feel like a local though. Dave is an ex SEAL who is also new to town. They go through some grown up problems and have a realistic romance.
Christmas at Seashell Cottage is for those looking for a small town Christmas read with some depth and a happy ending.
January 4, 2020
"3.5 out of 5 stars, brought together because of unforeseen circumstances Dave (David) and Charlie (Charlene) have an immediate connection but will it be able to grow into an everlasting relationship or just the "fling" that they agreed too?
This was a charming novel that hooked me from the time Charlie tried to "use baby Jesus" as a weapon. 😂 I loved the ..."
Read more of this review: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/12/made-grade-jewell-cove-series-book-15.html
This was a charming novel that hooked me from the time Charlie tried to "use baby Jesus" as a weapon. 😂 I loved the ..."
Read more of this review: https://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2019/12/made-grade-jewell-cove-series-book-15.html
December 21, 2014
A very short and easy read for an afternoon. A nice story for the holidays and a romance for Charlie and Dave. She's admired him from afar, watching him work on the docks as she ate at the diner. He's in town for a little while until he figures out his future plans. They strike up a friendship and then come across a baby in a manger. Two closed off individuals who learn to open up and finally be honest with themselves and with each other. I hope it all works out for them too. It is a beautiful cover too.
January 1, 2023
And baby makes 3
I'm enjoying this sweet series set on Maine's rugged coastline. The small town vibe where everyone knows you and supports you is endearing. Charlie had a rigid and strict upbringing and meets former Navy Seal Dave at a church decorating for the holidays. She's admired him from a distance fantasizing about their first meeting. Their fate is automatically determined but their hearts need to catch up. Throw an abandoned baby in the mix and the story really heats up. Can't wait for Lizzie's story.
I'm enjoying this sweet series set on Maine's rugged coastline. The small town vibe where everyone knows you and supports you is endearing. Charlie had a rigid and strict upbringing and meets former Navy Seal Dave at a church decorating for the holidays. She's admired him from a distance fantasizing about their first meeting. Their fate is automatically determined but their hearts need to catch up. Throw an abandoned baby in the mix and the story really heats up. Can't wait for Lizzie's story.
December 2, 2022
Christmas feels
Super sweet Christmas romance. Love Charlie she's a perfect balance of strong independent woman and insecure and I can relate to her feeling a little lonely and struggling to make friends in a new town. Dave is for the most part a really sweet guy he's respectful but is troubled by his past in a way that could ruin their relationship before they really give it a chance.
Super sweet Christmas romance. Love Charlie she's a perfect balance of strong independent woman and insecure and I can relate to her feeling a little lonely and struggling to make friends in a new town. Dave is for the most part a really sweet guy he's respectful but is troubled by his past in a way that could ruin their relationship before they really give it a chance.
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