Barbara Matteson

I loved this enchanting Christmas story! For those that celebrate the holiday, I imagine you have a treasured memory of the magical location where you went year after year to visit Santa before Christmas or where you take your children or grandchildren. In all the years I saw Santa and his elves, there was never an opportunity to meet Mrs. Claus. I didn’t think Mrs. Claus ever left the North Pole. However, I’ve always had an image in my mind of what it would be like from the books and show more movies in which she appeared. As Savannah Brady is browsing on her lunch break in Howardson’s Emporium, she is seen by Matthew Buck, Creative Director of Special Events, and invited to be Mrs. Claus during the holiday season. Matthew did make an excellent choice!

I loved the realistic portrayals of characters of all ages. As the holiday season approaches, some hearts are hurting from the loss of a loved one or family members who cannot come home for the holidays or struggle due to injuries from a recent accident. The descriptive writing created and illuminated a picturesque setting of every scene in the novel. A heartwarming reading experience that had me glowing with Christmas imagery, with all of my senses twinkling, sparkling, and reflecting on the joy of giving and sharing time and talents to brighten the holidays for others.

I wish I could magically add it to everyone’s tbr list this holiday season. I’m also adding it to my shopping list as this year’s holiday reading delight for Christmas book exchanges. It is a Christmas story to enjoy during any season of the year. But to read it with a mug of hot chocolate after a day enjoying your own Christmas traditions or to read it in your home surrounded by the magical Christmas setting you have created with and/or for loved ones will make it all the more special. Mrs. Claus (Savannah) would remind you to remember your mug of hot chocolate and your favorite Christmas cookies too!

Wishing you the merriest holiday season!

I was lucky to receive an Advance Reader’s Edition of this title as an Early Reviewer from LibraryThing. The opinions expressed in the review are my own. show less

When Charlotte Templeton's role as retail manager at a women's golf pro shop near Boston ended, she took her former boss's advice—and everything changed. In just six months, she moved to Lobster Claw, Maine, became the proud owner of a seaside boutique, The Shop at Beach Rose Path, nestled beside her charming bungalow, and found joy in the daily companionship of her little dog, Lovey. Charlotte also made a wonderful friend in her next-door neighbor and local gallery owner, Tatiana Dulka, show more and rediscovered love with Duncan Kirk. But will life remain as idyllic when Duncan presents her with an unexpected letter from a Family Law attorney in Newport, Rhode Island?

The author's beautiful, sensory-rich writing brings every scene to life. Whether she describes a character's expression, the soft hush of a whisper, shifting emotions, a glowing sunset, playful squirrels preparing for winter, or the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, her words enable readers to vividly visualize each moment.

Although my reviews are written out of order, this novel was a perfect way to end 2025. It's the third outstanding book I've read by this author, and I eagerly hope she's already working on her next novel. show less

What a truly adorable story! Another one that Hallmark could make into a Christmas movie. Matthew & Savannah are a cute couple that meet through a bungled attempt to tell her that she would be perfect to play Mrs. Claus. Matthew fell in love with Savannah’s hair color. They are both older with grown kids, widows and deserve happiness. I love how this story is realistic, shares their struggles, and shows their happiness. Supporting characters like Fern are a blessing as she is a fascinating show more lady that should have her own story. The story is so well done. You have romance, friendship, cuteness, and Santa. The memories brought up through the setting of the store display can also bring back happy memories for readers. This is a wonderful holiday story. I will be buying some copies for gifts. I hope to see more from this author. show less

Charlotte Templeton created the Loch Ladies' Pro Shop at the Castle Loch Country and Golf Club, working for General Manager Hamish Falconer. When Hamish hired Charlotte, the club became not merely a workplace but a benefit, a cottage on the green, and during the 25 years, Hamish was a blend of the employer, father figure, treasured friend, mentor, and confidant. New club management has Hamish retiring to his beloved Scotland, but he has made a connection for Charlotte to his friend Rory show more Ruskin. Rory has a place that needs someone to live and run the shop that he and his wife had run until she passed. The offer is open to Charlotte to create a new beginning. How does she start over without Hamish? How does she leave the cottage where the most precious memories of her life were made and kept her grounded after their loss? What would her new life become?

The allure of this book extends beyond its potential as a delightful summer romance. The author's beautiful writing creates a world that is both enchanting and familiar to all who choose beach vacations and may invite possibilities for all who have never been. Her debut Christmas novel was evidence of her storytelling finesse in creating a magical reading experience, leaving me eagerly anticipating her next literary delight. This tale of new beginnings in a beach town setting and a promise of romance delivers summertime magic.

The author's descriptive writing paints vivid and inviting scenes with each turn of the page, inviting the reader to step into the narrative. Whether it is Charlotte's first impressions as she drives into the saltwater town of Lobster Claw, Maine, her new home and workplace on Beach Rose Path, the names of the roads and businesses, the vibrant colors of the sunsets or the sea, the evocative smells and sounds, or her mix of emotions leaving Massachusetts or a combination of excitement and nervousness for the grand opening of The Shop at Beach Rose Path, the picturesque images come to life, engaging all the reader's senses and immersing them in the story.

I highly recommend adding this novel to your summer reading list.

I can't wait to experience the author's forthcoming novels for introduction to her next charming settings and characters you wish you could meet. show less