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Ten Beach Road #5.5
A Bella Flora Christmas
A TEN BEACH ROAD NOVELLA
The ladies of Ten Beach Road are home for the holidays in this brand-new novella.
Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they're returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s -- a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
Includes an excerpt from Best Thing Ever
The ladies of Ten Beach Road are home for the holidays in this brand-new novella.
Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they're returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s -- a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
Includes an excerpt from Best Thing Ever
Audiobook
Published November 7, 2017
151 people are currently reading
795 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Wax
22 books1,585 followersI write novels that explore friendship, self-discovery and the challenges life brings us, leavened with a touch of humor. I'm proud of all my books and perhaps best known for my "Ten Beach Road" titles including the USA Today bestsellers, Ten Beach Road and The House on Mermaid Point, and for While We Were Watching Downton Abbey.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
I was born in St.Petersburg, Florida and grew up on St. Pete Beach within spitting distance of the Gulf of Mexico. I went, appropriately enough, to Sunshine Elementary School where recess and art class sometimes took place on the beach, and the highlight of every school year was the annual fish broil.
It’s hard to be a type-A personality when you grow up in such a laid back environment, but I managed. Convinced that you were expected to know how to read BEFORE you showed up for school, I forced a neighbor friend to teach me to read at the age of five. I’ve been reading ever since.
Books, in all forms, are one of my greatest pleasures and best forms of escape. And they’ve had a major impact on my life.
I went to the University of Georgia after reading Gone with the Wind one too many times. For a while I re-read Margaret Mitchell’s classic yearly, saw the movie whenever it played within twenty miles, and could quote large passages from memory. Today I have a growing GWTW collection, and the time I spoke at he Margaret Mitchell House was an incredible thrill.last
After college I worked in radio, television, and film. Like Olivia in 7 DAYS AND SEVEN NIGHTS, I’ve done live talk radio. I hosted a show in the eighties called Desperate & Dateless, and while I was never locked in an apartment for a week with a webcam rolling as she was, I did fall in love. Happily, the man who swept me off my feet consults with financial types and understands the bottom line. Unlike Olivia’s nemesis, Matt Ransom, my husband has never, to my knowledge, advised anyone to ‘love the one they’re with.’ We live in Atlanta with our two sons.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
October 31, 2017
Nice little prequel novella.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoy these great little novellas that catch us up with the friends we make within our stories. With a new novel in sight, this book will get us ready for what’s to come.
It’s Christmas time at Bella Flora and we get to celebrate with a great group of people. But it’s not without some trials and tribulations. One that will bring the friends closer together.
Having a support network like the strong women in this book is something we all crave. And the author does great job telling each person's story and yet blending it into a quickie little read that leaves you with anticipation for what’s to come.
I really wanted more from this novella but I guess, unfortunately, I will have to wait to see what is to come, just like you. A bit of a cliffhanger ending that leaves me wanting the next book now! Ugh
Wendy Wax is a solid writer and treats her readers with characters that we wish were in our own life. She is a go to women’s contemporary fiction writer that shows all sides of life, but mainly the bright side.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/a-bella-flora...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I enjoy these great little novellas that catch us up with the friends we make within our stories. With a new novel in sight, this book will get us ready for what’s to come.
It’s Christmas time at Bella Flora and we get to celebrate with a great group of people. But it’s not without some trials and tribulations. One that will bring the friends closer together.
Having a support network like the strong women in this book is something we all crave. And the author does great job telling each person's story and yet blending it into a quickie little read that leaves you with anticipation for what’s to come.
I really wanted more from this novella but I guess, unfortunately, I will have to wait to see what is to come, just like you. A bit of a cliffhanger ending that leaves me wanting the next book now! Ugh
Wendy Wax is a solid writer and treats her readers with characters that we wish were in our own life. She is a go to women’s contemporary fiction writer that shows all sides of life, but mainly the bright side.
* copy received for review consideration
full review - http://amidlifewife.com/a-bella-flora...
December 5, 2017
Far far too short and a little over priced if I might say so! I don't read first chapters!
June 8, 2025
Wendy Wax returns with her popular Ten Beach Road Series, following (2017) One Good Thing with A BELLA FLORA CHRISTMAS.
Read all my reviews of the Ten Beach Road Series
Love catching up with my favorite gals in Florida for A BELLA FLORA CHRISTMAS. This go around Kyra has some difficult decisions to make and the adorable beach cottages at Sunshine Hotel are getting occupied quickly by the ladies for new beginnings. (Enjoy novellas and a fan of cottages).
Things are tense this Christmas season with the approaching deadline of New Years Day.
Kyra is less than happy with the idea of Dustin (her son), portraying Daniel and his real-life moe star wife, Tonja Kay's son. There is no more time for hedging. She has to commit or refuse by New Year's Day.
She agreed to rent Bella Flora to a mystery tenant for an amount that gives Kyra the option of turning down the million dollars Daniel and his wife offered for Dustin to play their son. She does not want to ruin their holiday.
The idea of strangers living in the house the women have worked so hard to hang onto is devastating; however, renting it out seems a better solution than losing her completely.
The anonymity is making everyone anxious.
If she cannot find a way to pay off the entire loan she took out, it could be the last holiday they would get to spend in Bella Flora.
Love these ladies and totally invested in the series. Best of all, we get a preview of BEST BEACH EVER Coming May 22, 2018 —with more Maddie, Kyra, Avery, Nikki and the crew! (Maddie is still my favorite of the women, even though I love them all.)
Wendy Wax, "you are killing me!" Talk about tempting . . . I was swiping, dying to find out the mystery tenant of Bella Flora. Talk about a cliffhanger . . . . Could not pre-order this one fast enough.
Please, someone, grant me an ARC for Christmas. Not sure I can wait until May for the unveiling. Seriously, I LOVE the cover and this series. Please do not let it end!
Highly recommend (one of my favorite authors) — if you have not read the series, start with book one and read them all. Even though the author does a great job of catching you up, you do not want to miss a thing!
A special thank you as always to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. Also purchased the e-book and audible book narrated by Amy Rubinaqte.
JDCMustReadBooks
Read all my reviews of the Ten Beach Road Series
Love catching up with my favorite gals in Florida for A BELLA FLORA CHRISTMAS. This go around Kyra has some difficult decisions to make and the adorable beach cottages at Sunshine Hotel are getting occupied quickly by the ladies for new beginnings. (Enjoy novellas and a fan of cottages).
Things are tense this Christmas season with the approaching deadline of New Years Day.
Kyra is less than happy with the idea of Dustin (her son), portraying Daniel and his real-life moe star wife, Tonja Kay's son. There is no more time for hedging. She has to commit or refuse by New Year's Day.
She agreed to rent Bella Flora to a mystery tenant for an amount that gives Kyra the option of turning down the million dollars Daniel and his wife offered for Dustin to play their son. She does not want to ruin their holiday.
The idea of strangers living in the house the women have worked so hard to hang onto is devastating; however, renting it out seems a better solution than losing her completely.
The anonymity is making everyone anxious.
If she cannot find a way to pay off the entire loan she took out, it could be the last holiday they would get to spend in Bella Flora.
Love these ladies and totally invested in the series. Best of all, we get a preview of BEST BEACH EVER Coming May 22, 2018 —with more Maddie, Kyra, Avery, Nikki and the crew! (Maddie is still my favorite of the women, even though I love them all.)
Wendy Wax, "you are killing me!" Talk about tempting . . . I was swiping, dying to find out the mystery tenant of Bella Flora. Talk about a cliffhanger . . . . Could not pre-order this one fast enough.
Please, someone, grant me an ARC for Christmas. Not sure I can wait until May for the unveiling. Seriously, I LOVE the cover and this series. Please do not let it end!
Highly recommend (one of my favorite authors) — if you have not read the series, start with book one and read them all. Even though the author does a great job of catching you up, you do not want to miss a thing!
A special thank you as always to Berkley and NetGalley for an early reading copy. Also purchased the e-book and audible book narrated by Amy Rubinaqte.
JDCMustReadBooks
November 26, 2017
This Christmas is a tough one for Kyra. She’s not only in danger of losing her beloved home, Bella Flora, but she is being pressured to make a decision that could change the future for her and her son. She must decide before the end of the year, which is right around the corner.
I’ve been wanting to read the Ten Beach Road series for the longest time, but haven’t had a chance. When I saw this Christmas novella, I thought it would give me a nice taste of the series until I can read them all.
While it’s a great introduction to the characters and the history is explained throughout the short book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read this series in order. It almost felt as if I was reading an excerpt from the middle of a book, which I guess I was since this is a novella and #5.5.
Although the storylines and characters were a bit foreign to me, I could tell immediately that this is the sort of series I’d love. It’s written well, fast-paced with realistic characters. In this short space, I came to care about Kyra and her son. I definitely want to know where their storyline goes, as well as find out what has already occurred.
I’m going to make it a point to check out this series in the next few months, starting with the first book. I already know it’s a series I can get totally involved in.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
I’ve been wanting to read the Ten Beach Road series for the longest time, but haven’t had a chance. When I saw this Christmas novella, I thought it would give me a nice taste of the series until I can read them all.
While it’s a great introduction to the characters and the history is explained throughout the short book, I think I would have enjoyed it more if I read this series in order. It almost felt as if I was reading an excerpt from the middle of a book, which I guess I was since this is a novella and #5.5.
Although the storylines and characters were a bit foreign to me, I could tell immediately that this is the sort of series I’d love. It’s written well, fast-paced with realistic characters. In this short space, I came to care about Kyra and her son. I definitely want to know where their storyline goes, as well as find out what has already occurred.
I’m going to make it a point to check out this series in the next few months, starting with the first book. I already know it’s a series I can get totally involved in.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
November 8, 2017
A BELLA FLORA CHRISTMAS: Parental Extortion
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
This has a lot of holiday company and a “bad Santa.”
This is my first holiday book of the season.
With a full house and a little extortion, Kyra is over a barrel. I read SUNSHINE BEACH (review:
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201... ) and was ambivalent so I decided to give this a go. The narrator is great in this – in SUNSHINE BEACH I did not get her portrayal of an Italian American with an accent that, he should not have had, and which sounded more Slavic than Italian. Here it wasn’t an issue and she did a great job with the women and men gathered in this big house for the holidays.
As in the last one, I do not get the relationship between Kyra and her son’s father, a married man with several other kids. He still appears to be with his wife as they are filming a movie together and yet this guy is all over her. He’s Krya-Kryptonite. If a character is taken in once to have an affair, well, that’s forgivable, but when he can’t seem to keep off you, think “restraining order.” And, here he downright uses his kid and lets his wife browbeat Kyra. I was flabbergasted.
Also – he brings inappropriate gifts.
Regardless of how much DNA they share, and that he has money, this is a guy I wouldn’t want near my kid.
As I finished up this short story I was struck by all the ways people can be in and out of love. But, I did not get a holiday feeling from it.
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201...
This has a lot of holiday company and a “bad Santa.”
This is my first holiday book of the season.
With a full house and a little extortion, Kyra is over a barrel. I read SUNSHINE BEACH (review:
http://fangswandsandfairydust.com/201... ) and was ambivalent so I decided to give this a go. The narrator is great in this – in SUNSHINE BEACH I did not get her portrayal of an Italian American with an accent that, he should not have had, and which sounded more Slavic than Italian. Here it wasn’t an issue and she did a great job with the women and men gathered in this big house for the holidays.
As in the last one, I do not get the relationship between Kyra and her son’s father, a married man with several other kids. He still appears to be with his wife as they are filming a movie together and yet this guy is all over her. He’s Krya-Kryptonite. If a character is taken in once to have an affair, well, that’s forgivable, but when he can’t seem to keep off you, think “restraining order.” And, here he downright uses his kid and lets his wife browbeat Kyra. I was flabbergasted.
Also – he brings inappropriate gifts.
Regardless of how much DNA they share, and that he has money, this is a guy I wouldn’t want near my kid.
As I finished up this short story I was struck by all the ways people can be in and out of love. But, I did not get a holiday feeling from it.
January 9, 2018
I've read most of the books in this series, (Ten Beach Road) and this one seems too full of conflict to be a Christmas story. Everyone is gathering for possibly the final get together at Bella Flora and there's a few very unhappy people. Kyra is facing a decision that effects many people. Her son's father is pressuring her into letting Dustin star in his next film . He and his wife are threatening to put people out of business and ruin her friends. As Christmas day approaches the fate of Bella Flora is in everyone's thoughts. This is a short story/novella and it would be helpful for the reader to be familiar with the characters and the dynamics of this close group.
December 9, 2020
Glad to see Everyone together and how it keeps growing. Looking forward to see who rents the house (I think I know). And what will happen with Kyra
December 8, 2017
Stale, tired, pedestrian, boring, trite, unoriginal. In other words, simply awful.
November 24, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
Title: A Bella Flora Christmas
Series: Ten Beach Road
By: Wendy Wax
ASIN: B0719NWD4S
Author’s Website: http://www.wendywax.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
The ladies of Ten Beach Road are home for the holidays in this brand-new novella.
Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they’re returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s — a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
Review:
For a novella, I must say that I thought that A Bella Flora Christmas flowed WAY too slowly. I found that taking the whole book to come to an important parenting decision without much depth of analysis a bit disconcerting. I guess the decision making process was a wee bit muddled with the in-depth description of the cast of characters. The descriptions were something that I was thankful for, as I came into the series at this juncture as opposed to book one. A mistake I plan to rectify in the future.
Kyra Singer will have to move out of her beloved home, Bella Flora, right after the holidays. In order to keep the property, she must rent out her home, to an unknown tenant for six months, with an option for an additional six months. Additionally, Kyra must decide if her son, Dustin, can participate in Daniel’s (Dustin’s father) directorial film debut (with only a few days to decide). And of course, lets not forget the totally annoying and somewhat “wicked” stepmother Tonja. She definitely brought in a bit of colour to the story.
So far, so good…I am engaged and interested. But then for some reason, my interest is lost and I just feel like Kyra is going around in circles trying to make decisions. All I could think about was…get on with it Kyra. As a single parent, she needs to make decisions much quicker!
One bright spot was the introduction of “Max” – the puppy present for Dustin delivered by his dad Daniel. The puppy was SO cute. Though I could sympathize with Kyra…how irresponsible of Daniel to provide a pet as a gift without consulting Kyra first.
I found the following particularly well written – when the author was describing the paparazzi, who were following Kyra as she drove Sydney to the airport:
“They’re cunning in the way that wild animals are; in order to eat they must successfully stalk and fell their prey. They are the deer hunters in camouflage carrying powerful zoom lenses; we are Bambi.”
I still have faith in the writing of Wendy Wax, so I shall go back and start this series from book one, and hopefully it will all fall into place. I have faith that if you have been reading this series from the beginning, that you will appreciate and enjoy this novella.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Title: A Bella Flora Christmas
Series: Ten Beach Road
By: Wendy Wax
ASIN: B0719NWD4S
Author’s Website: http://www.wendywax.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
The ladies of Ten Beach Road are home for the holidays in this brand-new novella.
Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they’re returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s — a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
Review:
For a novella, I must say that I thought that A Bella Flora Christmas flowed WAY too slowly. I found that taking the whole book to come to an important parenting decision without much depth of analysis a bit disconcerting. I guess the decision making process was a wee bit muddled with the in-depth description of the cast of characters. The descriptions were something that I was thankful for, as I came into the series at this juncture as opposed to book one. A mistake I plan to rectify in the future.
Kyra Singer will have to move out of her beloved home, Bella Flora, right after the holidays. In order to keep the property, she must rent out her home, to an unknown tenant for six months, with an option for an additional six months. Additionally, Kyra must decide if her son, Dustin, can participate in Daniel’s (Dustin’s father) directorial film debut (with only a few days to decide). And of course, lets not forget the totally annoying and somewhat “wicked” stepmother Tonja. She definitely brought in a bit of colour to the story.
So far, so good…I am engaged and interested. But then for some reason, my interest is lost and I just feel like Kyra is going around in circles trying to make decisions. All I could think about was…get on with it Kyra. As a single parent, she needs to make decisions much quicker!
One bright spot was the introduction of “Max” – the puppy present for Dustin delivered by his dad Daniel. The puppy was SO cute. Though I could sympathize with Kyra…how irresponsible of Daniel to provide a pet as a gift without consulting Kyra first.
I found the following particularly well written – when the author was describing the paparazzi, who were following Kyra as she drove Sydney to the airport:
“They’re cunning in the way that wild animals are; in order to eat they must successfully stalk and fell their prey. They are the deer hunters in camouflage carrying powerful zoom lenses; we are Bambi.”
I still have faith in the writing of Wendy Wax, so I shall go back and start this series from book one, and hopefully it will all fall into place. I have faith that if you have been reading this series from the beginning, that you will appreciate and enjoy this novella.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
December 1, 2017
A Bella Flora Christmas by Wendy Wax is a Ten Beach Road Novella (#5.5). It is almost Christmas at Bella Flora in Pass-a-Grille, Florida. Kyra Singer is worried about losing Bella Flora thanks to the loan she took out to finance the remodel of the Sunshine Hotel. Kyra will be hosting Christmas for family and friends at Bella Flora before decamping. She has rented out Bella Flora to a mystery tenant who will be arriving at the beginning of January. Kyra also needs to decide whether to let her son (Dustin) act in Daniel Deranian’s new movie. The money will be helpful, but it will mean six weeks in the company of Daniel’s wife, Tonja. Nicole, Avery, Madeline, Kyra, spouses, significant others, children and friends come together for Christmas. It is a joyful holiday only marred by an unexpected and unwelcome arrival. What decision will Kyra make about the movie? Can they save Bella Flora once again?
A Bella Flora Christmas is a very short novel. I recommend reading the Ten Beach Road books in order. While details from the previous books is rehashed in A Bella Flora Christmas (unfortunately), new readers to the series will be confused (all the characters, various relationships). I wish the author had not tried to make it a standalone. A Bella Flora Christmas was too short, and it left fans of the series disappointed. I wanted more Christmas and less reiteration. There is more drama between Kyra, Daniel and Tonja along with the Christmas celebration. Kyra makes her decision and then the book ends (rather abruptly). The story alludes to the mysterious renter, but readers are not told the persons identity. We will have to wait for Best Thing Ever. I was entertained by the names the ladies came with for the new puppy. The book is nicely written, but the pace was a little slow. Kyra agonizing over decision dominated the book (with characters being introduced in between). I found myself yelling at my e-reader telling her to decide already (she really needs the money and it is only six weeks) and to quit lusting after Daniel. The series has well-developed characters that people will like and relate to with the exception of Tonja (every story needs a villain).
A Bella Flora Christmas is a very short novel. I recommend reading the Ten Beach Road books in order. While details from the previous books is rehashed in A Bella Flora Christmas (unfortunately), new readers to the series will be confused (all the characters, various relationships). I wish the author had not tried to make it a standalone. A Bella Flora Christmas was too short, and it left fans of the series disappointed. I wanted more Christmas and less reiteration. There is more drama between Kyra, Daniel and Tonja along with the Christmas celebration. Kyra makes her decision and then the book ends (rather abruptly). The story alludes to the mysterious renter, but readers are not told the persons identity. We will have to wait for Best Thing Ever. I was entertained by the names the ladies came with for the new puppy. The book is nicely written, but the pace was a little slow. Kyra agonizing over decision dominated the book (with characters being introduced in between). I found myself yelling at my e-reader telling her to decide already (she really needs the money and it is only six weeks) and to quit lusting after Daniel. The series has well-developed characters that people will like and relate to with the exception of Tonja (every story needs a villain).
December 3, 2017
Although their lives have changed since their first desperate renovation of Bella Flora, friends Madeline, Avery, and Nicole have always been there for each other. Now they're returning to Bella Flora for Christmas—where Maddie’s daughter Kyra isn’t feeling particularly celebratory.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s -- a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
My Thoughts: I have followed this series since Book One, so I was excited to experience A Bella Flora Christmas, a novella that helped to satiate me until the next book comes in the spring.
In this story, our first person narrator is Kyra, Maddie’s daughter and Dustin’s mother. She is the young woman who had an affair with celebrity Daniel Deranian when working on a film with him, and then began paying the consequences when her son was born…without benefit of being with Daniel.
Now four years old, Dustin is the joy of her life, but her current dilemma has to do with something his father has requested. He wants Dustin to perform with him in a movie…but not only with him, with his wife Tonja Kay. Tonja Kay has been vindictive and threatening since the beginning, so part of Kyra’s hesitation has to do with not wanting to satisfy the woman who has the man, and who now is calling the shots, complete with threats.
What will Kyra decide to do? And how will she, her mother, and her son fare when they move out of Bella Flora, which has been rented out to an unknown person?
I had hoped that we would learn the identity of that renter, but that information will probably come in the next book. And while Kyra has made a decision about the movie, we are left hanging, not knowing how the news is delivered. An enjoyable read that is teasing me about the upcoming release. 5 stars.
Kyra was hoping for a peaceful holiday at Bella Flora—a last gathering before a wealthy, mystery tenant moves into the home she’s been forced to rent out. Instead, she must make a life altering decision by New Year’s -- a decision that becomes even more difficult when unexpected guests arrive at Ten Beach Road on Christmas Eve. Now Kyra, Maddie, Avery and Nikki will need to pull together to secure Bella Flora’s future, as well as their own.
My Thoughts: I have followed this series since Book One, so I was excited to experience A Bella Flora Christmas, a novella that helped to satiate me until the next book comes in the spring.
In this story, our first person narrator is Kyra, Maddie’s daughter and Dustin’s mother. She is the young woman who had an affair with celebrity Daniel Deranian when working on a film with him, and then began paying the consequences when her son was born…without benefit of being with Daniel.
Now four years old, Dustin is the joy of her life, but her current dilemma has to do with something his father has requested. He wants Dustin to perform with him in a movie…but not only with him, with his wife Tonja Kay. Tonja Kay has been vindictive and threatening since the beginning, so part of Kyra’s hesitation has to do with not wanting to satisfy the woman who has the man, and who now is calling the shots, complete with threats.
What will Kyra decide to do? And how will she, her mother, and her son fare when they move out of Bella Flora, which has been rented out to an unknown person?
I had hoped that we would learn the identity of that renter, but that information will probably come in the next book. And while Kyra has made a decision about the movie, we are left hanging, not knowing how the news is delivered. An enjoyable read that is teasing me about the upcoming release. 5 stars.
November 15, 2017
Reviewed by Robin
Book provided by Netflix
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Family isn’t always blood. Sometimes it may be just a bunch of people that have been there for each other over the years. Who have been thrown together for whatever reason but have been there for each other. These people all live on Ten Beach Road. They remind me of where my son lived in Florida. Because not everyone has family or could spend the holidays with family they became family. Tables down the center of the street and everyone pitched in for the meal. It was heartwarming.
I loved the renovations that were taking place not only with Bella Flora but also the cottages. Everything was cute and I was ready to move in.
Daniel and his wife weren’t very likable but you have to have someone in the story that just makes you want to punch them. Kyra and her son Dustin were just cute. I love when the story has a small child they bring so much life to the story. Who cares if Daniel is famous he could have asked Kyra before getting his gift for Dustin and his wife who cares that she knows people that know people that could destroy careers if Dustin can’t work on the movie.
Since I have read others in this series I was able to get things. I would suggest however to read the others in the series along with this so that you understand the family dynamics of this wonderfully mismatched set of characters. There is also a bit of a mystery as to who is renting Bella Flora…Cliffhanger indeed. The end leaves/ alludes to what is happening or going to but it leaves you hanging waiting for the next book in the series.
All in all Ms. Wax gave us another heartwarming story of friends that have become family.
I want to warn you that if you are looking for HEA or a story that has an ending there isn’t one. This is a novella that leaves you hanging to await the next book. In the end it doesn’t matter that there are questions…Or that you are left hanging. I found this still to be a fun book…about the spirit of Christmas.
Book provided by Netflix
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Family isn’t always blood. Sometimes it may be just a bunch of people that have been there for each other over the years. Who have been thrown together for whatever reason but have been there for each other. These people all live on Ten Beach Road. They remind me of where my son lived in Florida. Because not everyone has family or could spend the holidays with family they became family. Tables down the center of the street and everyone pitched in for the meal. It was heartwarming.
I loved the renovations that were taking place not only with Bella Flora but also the cottages. Everything was cute and I was ready to move in.
Daniel and his wife weren’t very likable but you have to have someone in the story that just makes you want to punch them. Kyra and her son Dustin were just cute. I love when the story has a small child they bring so much life to the story. Who cares if Daniel is famous he could have asked Kyra before getting his gift for Dustin and his wife who cares that she knows people that know people that could destroy careers if Dustin can’t work on the movie.
Since I have read others in this series I was able to get things. I would suggest however to read the others in the series along with this so that you understand the family dynamics of this wonderfully mismatched set of characters. There is also a bit of a mystery as to who is renting Bella Flora…Cliffhanger indeed. The end leaves/ alludes to what is happening or going to but it leaves you hanging waiting for the next book in the series.
All in all Ms. Wax gave us another heartwarming story of friends that have become family.
I want to warn you that if you are looking for HEA or a story that has an ending there isn’t one. This is a novella that leaves you hanging to await the next book. In the end it doesn’t matter that there are questions…Or that you are left hanging. I found this still to be a fun book…about the spirit of Christmas.
January 2, 2021
I love Christmas and all things Christmas. This was disappointing. 1) do not expect romance of any kind, literally none whats so ever happens. This book mostly centers around Keira and her son, plus the Hollywood hookup which ruined her life and produced said son. Before freaking the son isn't the ruined life part. No he is her everything and she loves him so much. The Hollywood hookup was married with a extremely vindictive and jealous wife.
2) I hate when cheating is over looked and we blame the woman, not the man for that shit. Add to that a disgusting vindictive jealous partner makes me honest hate 😒 how people view things. If that person knew the cheater was married, and even then maybe they were told a very convincing story of woe is me, it is NOT their fault someone stepped out on their relationship. A cheater is the only one to blame!
3) I hate books that leave unanswered questions (who the hell is renting Bella Flora) just so you will buy the next one. This person is mentioned so many times to the point where once the book ends and they don't reveal who it left me wanting to never read this authors work again.
If you want a great Florida beach romance series look into the Barefoot Bay series. I can reread those over and over because of how great the author beings you too Barefoot Bay where as with this I never left my room.
2) I hate when cheating is over looked and we blame the woman, not the man for that shit. Add to that a disgusting vindictive jealous partner makes me honest hate 😒 how people view things. If that person knew the cheater was married, and even then maybe they were told a very convincing story of woe is me, it is NOT their fault someone stepped out on their relationship. A cheater is the only one to blame!
3) I hate books that leave unanswered questions (who the hell is renting Bella Flora) just so you will buy the next one. This person is mentioned so many times to the point where once the book ends and they don't reveal who it left me wanting to never read this authors work again.
If you want a great Florida beach romance series look into the Barefoot Bay series. I can reread those over and over because of how great the author beings you too Barefoot Bay where as with this I never left my room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2017
Thank you to NetGalley.com for the opportunity to read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I love most of the ladies of the Ten Beach Road series but Kyra is not my favorite. I’ve always found her to be standoff-ish, guarded, and cold. Not that I side with the witch of a wife, but Kyra did have an affair with a famous married man which resulted in an adorable son – she kind of brought all of her problems on herself. That being said – I wish there was more Nikki and Avery (my favorite) but the plot on this really isn’t about them.
What I loved: Dustin is just the cutest fricken thing of all time. With his heart of gold, innocence, and adorable lisp – I would devour a whole Avery and Dustin book hands down.
What I didn’t love: This novella could have just been an edited “A Few Months Earlier” section in the next book in the series instead of something stand alone that could be read in an hour. Daniel is an ass – who does that to someone without talking first? I don’t know if I like Sydney yet – she seems a little too into herself and not sure if she will be a friend or foe.
What I learned: . Let’s quote an Atlanta housewife here , “Close your legs to married men!”.
Overall Grade: B
www.FluffSmutandMurder.com
September 24, 2017
I cannot reiterate enough how much I dislike novellas. Rarely do they move a book forward and are only used as unnecessary fillers that rarely affect the overall outcome of the series. A Bella Flora Christmas is no different.
Wendy Wax spends half of the book explaining to her readers who each character is and their relationship to each other in addition to their personal relationships. If you have been reading since the beginning, you already know whom everyone is and how Bella Flora plays into their lives.
Kyra is the main character of this novella and you get to hear her incessant whining when it comes to the father of her son, his over the top wife and the threat that they are holding over her.
There is a possibility that this is a small lead into her next book, “Best Thing Ever” due to release the end of May (2018) since the reader was never told the full outcome of the two things that were keeping Kyra up at night. Granted, one was partially decided, but the full consequence of events with the Deranian’s could fill a book all on their own. And what is going to happen over the next year with Bella Flora? That could be entertaining as well since the women tend to confuse situations more than they solve their own problems.
Wendy Wax spends half of the book explaining to her readers who each character is and their relationship to each other in addition to their personal relationships. If you have been reading since the beginning, you already know whom everyone is and how Bella Flora plays into their lives.
Kyra is the main character of this novella and you get to hear her incessant whining when it comes to the father of her son, his over the top wife and the threat that they are holding over her.
There is a possibility that this is a small lead into her next book, “Best Thing Ever” due to release the end of May (2018) since the reader was never told the full outcome of the two things that were keeping Kyra up at night. Granted, one was partially decided, but the full consequence of events with the Deranian’s could fill a book all on their own. And what is going to happen over the next year with Bella Flora? That could be entertaining as well since the women tend to confuse situations more than they solve their own problems.
April 18, 2018
I checked this out at random without having read the first 5 books in the series first, which turned out to be a mistake. This novella is basically an interlude taking place over a couple of weeks in which the main character tries to make a decision about whether to let her 4 year old son act in a movie with his biological father and the father's uber-nasty wife. Without the backstory, I not only kept losing track of the relationships between all the characters (everyone from the first five books apparently appears in this short story), I really didn't understand what the dilemma was. The ex was a self-centered jerk, and his wife was horrifying. Since there is a renter moving in to her home at the same time as she has to make the decision, and the renter's payments wipe out the debt she owes so she can save the house, I thought the decision was a no-brainer. But I was wrong.
I will probably go back and at least read the first book in the series to see if that helps matters, and so my 2-star rating might change at that point.
I will probably go back and at least read the first book in the series to see if that helps matters, and so my 2-star rating might change at that point.
July 1, 2019
This was a fine little novella between books. It wasn't anything special but it wasn't bad. Kira does make a decision regarding Dustin's role in Daniel's movie, but I'm sure that'll be covered again in book 6.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Nothing pivotal really happens here. Nikki and Joe are doing good with the twins. Avery and Chase are dating, even though they're much regressed from where they had been. Maddie and Will are doing good. The husband (I can't ever remember his name) is doing better. Everyone gets together for Christmas and Kira's friend comes. She was an actress on the movie that Kira got fired from for sleeping with Daniel. She's eccentric and quirky-I wonder if she'll continue to be in the story. Daniel's wife starts threatening Kira and the friend if they don't let Dustin be in the movie. Ultimately Kira decides to let him be in the movie, but she's still going to be moving into a small condo with her mom while Bella Flora is rented out (I think). Bitsy is also doing good and starting to make some of her money back.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
Nothing pivotal really happens here. Nikki and Joe are doing good with the twins. Avery and Chase are dating, even though they're much regressed from where they had been. Maddie and Will are doing good. The husband (I can't ever remember his name) is doing better. Everyone gets together for Christmas and Kira's friend comes. She was an actress on the movie that Kira got fired from for sleeping with Daniel. She's eccentric and quirky-I wonder if she'll continue to be in the story. Daniel's wife starts threatening Kira and the friend if they don't let Dustin be in the movie. Ultimately Kira decides to let him be in the movie, but she's still going to be moving into a small condo with her mom while Bella Flora is rented out (I think). Bitsy is also doing good and starting to make some of her money back.
October 12, 2017
I have been a big fan of the Ten Beach Road series and I thoroughly enjoy the writing style of Wendy Wax. This book, however, was a bit of a disappointment to me. It was more of a re-hash of all the previous books, describing each character and previous plots. The only thing "new" was Max... the new puppy (although I did chuckle at some of the names the ladies came up with).
There was a bit of intrigue, trying to figure out who the mysterious renter was, but we never found out. The book just ended. Kyra made a decision and then... it ended.
On a positive note, the cover is lovely and the first couple of chapters described some nice Christmas traditions. And Wendy Wax does a very good job of describing the scene, making you feel like you are right there.
Disclosure: A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
There was a bit of intrigue, trying to figure out who the mysterious renter was, but we never found out. The book just ended. Kyra made a decision and then... it ended.
On a positive note, the cover is lovely and the first couple of chapters described some nice Christmas traditions. And Wendy Wax does a very good job of describing the scene, making you feel like you are right there.
Disclosure: A complimentary ARC was provided by NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.
October 16, 2017
This is part of a series and has to be read in conjunction with the rest of the book. Although Wendy Wax does her best to fill in the characters histories it would be helpful for the reader to actually have the entire stories. I did feel like too much of the book was catching up those readers. There was just a lot of pages that could have been used for more story.
Kyra, oh Kyra… you need to put on your big girl panties. Stand up to Daniel, do what is right for your son, and make a decision. It drove me crazy that she could not decide if Dustin could do the movie with his father Daniel. I understand that it is not an easy decision but Good Lord decide already.
I am hoping that Christmas at Bella Flora leads into the rest of the story. The rest of the characters are interesting, fun, and I want to know more about them. I’d just like to move past Kyra’s decision making skills.
Kyra, oh Kyra… you need to put on your big girl panties. Stand up to Daniel, do what is right for your son, and make a decision. It drove me crazy that she could not decide if Dustin could do the movie with his father Daniel. I understand that it is not an easy decision but Good Lord decide already.
I am hoping that Christmas at Bella Flora leads into the rest of the story. The rest of the characters are interesting, fun, and I want to know more about them. I’d just like to move past Kyra’s decision making skills.
December 21, 2017
Full review to be posted on blog.
*Great novella...love that it's narrated entirely by Kyra!
*Focuses on Christmas but also on the BIG decision Kyra has been wrestling with.
*Everyone comes to Bella Flora for Christmas - and Dustin gets surprise gift from Santa...if you are long-time reader of this series, it will melt your heart when he decides on a name for this gift.
*But not all is merry & bright...there is nastiness in form of Tonya - she has quite a few appearances (in form of telephone calls) in this short book. She is determined to get what she wants...Dustin to appear in movie - & will do whatever it takes to get her way!
*So is it worth reading this short novella? I think so - we get complete story, meet new character, get more of the back story on Krya & Daniel...win-win!
*I enjoyed it!
*Great novella...love that it's narrated entirely by Kyra!
*Focuses on Christmas but also on the BIG decision Kyra has been wrestling with.
*Everyone comes to Bella Flora for Christmas - and Dustin gets surprise gift from Santa...if you are long-time reader of this series, it will melt your heart when he decides on a name for this gift.
*But not all is merry & bright...there is nastiness in form of Tonya - she has quite a few appearances (in form of telephone calls) in this short book. She is determined to get what she wants...Dustin to appear in movie - & will do whatever it takes to get her way!
*So is it worth reading this short novella? I think so - we get complete story, meet new character, get more of the back story on Krya & Daniel...win-win!
*I enjoyed it!
April 22, 2022
This book, between One Good Thing, and Sunshine Beach, is again from Kyra's point of view. The crew is gathered for Christmas at Bella Flora, waiting to see who the renter will be that will save the estate for Kyra, after she put a hard cash loan on it to save the Sunshine Beach resort project. And lots of folks at the house for Christmas - Maddie, Will Hightower, whose house in the Florida Keys was their renovation project for Season 2 of Do Over, Kyra's dad, Steve, John Renee, Annilise, the Hardins - Chance, Jeff, Josh, and Jason, and more. Plus, Santa - aka Dustin's dad, Daniel, - shows up with a Great Dane Puppy for his sone. Along with the paparazzi, in order to pressure Kyra into letting Dustin play his son in a movie he's directing. So two questions. Will Kyra cave and go to Disney World so her son can be in a movie? And who is the mysterious renter?
December 10, 2017
I don't know why I continue to read this series except that I'd like to see all the women end up happy, but I'm not sure that's ever going to happen. This was the whiniest excuse for a Christmas book I've ever seen. And don't get me started on the child, Dustin! He's supposed to be four years old and he still acts like a toddler. Unless he has a speech impediment that wasn't mentioned, he should be able to speak clearly by now and not be falling asleep all during the day. I saw the ending coming and I pretty much know who is renting Bella Flora. Not one of my favorites, sorry!
December 17, 2017
A Bella Flora Christmas gives a glimpse into what the upcoming Ten Beach Road novel Best Thing Ever holds. I love the ladies in Ten Beach Road and it has been so interesting to see their storylines develop over the last five books. If you haven't started the series, I would really recommend you give it a try. Each character is so unique and the books are fun reads.
A Bella Flora Christmas is a novella that sets up the next novel and brings a little holiday spirit as well. I always struggle a little with novellas, just because I'm usually ready to dive into the full novel and the novellas whet my appetite just enough to make me want to read more when I have to wait for the next book, but A Bella Flora Christmas is worth the read.
I received this book courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
A Bella Flora Christmas is a novella that sets up the next novel and brings a little holiday spirit as well. I always struggle a little with novellas, just because I'm usually ready to dive into the full novel and the novellas whet my appetite just enough to make me want to read more when I have to wait for the next book, but A Bella Flora Christmas is worth the read.
I received this book courtesy of Berkley Publishing Group through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 8, 2018
Well the ladies are back to themselves in this one and it was so much better than the previous book. This one was entirely from Kyra's perspective which is a new concept for this series and I liked it because we really got to "hear" what was going through her mind as she struggled to make a decision about the movie. Thank goodness she finally decided and can move forward. I'm curious to find out who the mystery tenant is and look forward to the next book.
October 21, 2020
Too short!
Disappointed that it’s not really about Christmas. Glad I went ahead and read it this week in October. Yes, it is a novella, but too short as I wanted to know what happened on the movie set! Not quite as good as the other beach road series books because all of the story was on one decision, which you kind of knew would come out as it did anyway. But yes I want to read the next one LOL!
Disappointed that it’s not really about Christmas. Glad I went ahead and read it this week in October. Yes, it is a novella, but too short as I wanted to know what happened on the movie set! Not quite as good as the other beach road series books because all of the story was on one decision, which you kind of knew would come out as it did anyway. But yes I want to read the next one LOL!
December 3, 2017
The content itself was good but it really left me wanting more. I know this was a novella but it really was just not long enough. I really was getting into it and then it was over. It left me wanting. Maybe that is what it was meant to do that but I just wish it had given me more.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for review.
I received this book free from Netgalley in exchange for review.
October 15, 2024
Ho-hum...O-: This wasn't bad, and it wasn't good. I don't really know what the point was actually. And sadly, it didn't really feel too Christmasy.
But it served its purpose: I have now read all the books in this series, and it gave me something short to read until my book on hold was available.
But it served its purpose: I have now read all the books in this series, and it gave me something short to read until my book on hold was available.
December 12, 2025
Another “Christmas” story that has nothing to do with Christmas, besides a few paragraphs of gift opening. I listened to the audiobook and did not care for the narrator’s “baby voice”, which I found to be annoying. A few swear words, but the plot and characters were decently developed, especially for such a short book.
November 8, 2017
Read this 90 page novela in one sitting and was sorry it ended. Looked at the next Ten Beach Road Novel coming in May and so want it to come out today. I am so bad with my patience. Loving this series by Wendy Wax. Highly recommended.
December 2, 2017
It's Christmas Eve and Kyra still hasn't decided what to do about Daniel's offer to have Dustin play his son in a movie. She must decide very soon. Meanwhile she is not in a holiday mood while everyone else is. I read this novella on Kindle so was a quick easy read.
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