Lovers of Hallmark Christmas movies will undoubtedly enjoy The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley, a cute Cape Cod story about a family-owned bed and breakfast, second-chance romances, and small-town festivities centered around Christmas and New Year’s. When Riley loses her job and finds out her mother Beth has broken a leg, she leaves New York City to go home to help run her mother’s B&B. Upon arrival, she learns that Beth needs more help as business has been declining at the inn.
Some guests staying at the Chatham Coastal Inn have their own storylines. Franny, a former resident of the town, has returned in time for her beloved sister to pass away. Unable to bring herself to stay at her sister’s home, Franny takes up residence at the B&B while fulfilling her sister’s last wishes. Widower Aidan and his young son Luke are spending their holidays at the inn due to an unplanned renovation at their home. Coincidentally, he and Riley dated seriously in high school but split up when she pursued a life in the big city and he chose to stay on the coast.
While mostly predictable, The Christmas Inn feels like a holiday hug. My only complaint was that the author spent too much time describing the food or a scene, which slowed down the pacing of the story. Overall I enjoyed the story enough that I would give it 3 ½ stars out of 5.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
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