Welcome to Christmas Through the Year, where on the 25th of each month I feature one of the books I read this past Christmas season. This month's pick is Christmas on Sheltering Island by Christine Josephs.
Series: The Sheltering Island Series
Release Date: December 13, 2020
Genre: Short Holiday Romance
It’s nearly Christmas in 1951 and Margaret Murphy has one week to make the biggest decision of her life. An important promotion at work offers a fresh start in a different country…if she accepts it. Needing space to think, Margaret returns to Sheltering Island. Faced with a lifetime of memories, Margaret packs her family’s home, prepares it for sale, and tries to decide what to do next.
Dermot O’Neil had big plans. He was going to be an adventurer and travel the world. Instead, he never left Sheltering. He’s also never lost interest in Margaret. When they meet again, sparks fly. But Dermot has responsibilities that will keep him moored to the island for life.
When Dermot’s secret is revealed, will it cause Margaret to run? Or to find hope in the only place she’s ever really called home?
This short holiday romance story by Christine Josephs will warm the heart, renew hope, and captivate the spirit of Christmas.
My Review ❤️
I'm all for a good Christmas short story, especially during the holidays, but sadly Christmas on Sheltering Island was a little disappointing. The beginning held a lot of promise, with Margaret returning to her hometown on Sheltering Island to sell her family home, and running into her childhood crush. From this point the story could've went into a multitude of directions, further intriguing the narrative, but instead it took the road most traveled, making it insanely predictable, to the point that it was almost annoying. For that reason, I was thankful for the terse length, but at the same time I felt jipped.
The writing is decent enough, and I know if this book would've been longer, with more character development and a dramatic twist, it would've made for a more enjoyable read. The characters themselves are very likable, I just craved to know them better! I also would've liked more detail about Sheltering Island itself, as the imagery is also lacking. I really had hoped for a more vivid description of the island. With a name like Sheltering Island, you can't help but be curious, and crave more details.
If you're wanting a quick read with a hint of holiday flavor, Christmas on Sheltering Island is the short story for you! Just be warned: it's comically predictable, lacks detail, and is sadly more on a superficial level.
Thank you for celebrating with me this month! If you have any good Christmas-themed suggestions for me to review for upcoming months, please drop a comment down below!
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