Two years ago, Noelle North’s then-fiancé left her waiting at the church on Christmas—her wedding day and birthday. Now, she knows she cannot endure another holiday season at home in Boston. At the urging of four women at the assisted-living community where she serves as health director, Noelle decides to rent Seashell Cottage on the Gulf Coast of Florida for the holidays. She meets Silas … Bellingham, the cutest seven-year-old boy she’s ever seen, and his great-grandmother, Althea. Noelle discovers Althea’s caretaker has been abusing her and goes into action, ending up with the temporary care of both Althea and Silas. Becoming part of the Bellingham household has an entirely different series of challenges when it comes to Althea’s grandsons, Jake and Brett, who are having problems of their own with hotels to run and their parents missing in a plane crash. But after sparring with her, Silas’ father, Jake, realizes Noelle is just what he and his family need, and when she finds the perfect Christmas star for Silas, they both know he’s right.
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A delightful story to read during the holiday season. Fell in love with the adorable little Silas. Highly recommended.
What a enjoyable read, I loved the interaction between Noelle and Silas. The story that was built around them was truly beautiful. A young woman whom no longer enjoys Christmas, and a boy trying to find a way to remember his mother. This story could teach us all lessons in life. I would certainly recommend it to my friends.
I absolutely loved this book. It is the best Christmas book I have read in a very long time.
Who would not love to spend Christmas on a beautiful beach, in a lovely house, meeting wonderful people, & eating great food!
Judith Keim does it again.
Thank you Judy.
A Christmas Star is such a wonderful story. On the beach, Noelle meets a young boy named Silas. Then she meets his great grandmother. Noelle, a nurse specializing in elder care, quickly discerns that the grandmother is being abused by her caregiver. Noelle tosses the caregiver out.. I mention that much of the plot so you can see what a special person Noelle is. Silas is another character that steals into your heart. Believable characters, a darling, boy and more than one Christmas miracle make this a story I will reread many times. Reminiscent of a Hallmark movie, this is a book that you do not want to miss!
What a great holiday book. I was drawn in from the very beginning. I loved Noelle’s bossy, independent and loving character. It’s always enjoyable to read a book with a couple miracles and a happy ending. I really enjoy this authors writing. I highly recommend this and all of her books.
I received an ARC to read and give my honest opinion. This book made me cry, made me mad, made me happy, made me chuckle and had me wishing that things would get better for them all.
I know it is just a book but Judith writes so I feel like I am right there with them. I was so mad when the great-grandmother was being abused by the nurse, who her great-grandson, Silas, called Mrs. Wicked. Thank goodness Noelle arrived on vacation. She was what was needed to help this family.
The story is like life, things aren’t going smoothly but Noelle is the woman who is helping them heal. Silas hasn’t had a Christmas tree since his Mom died and Noelle didn’t like Christmas any more since she was left at the altar at Christmas. But the two find a way to have a Christmas tree that is so different. But they must find the perfect star and Silas knows everything will be all right them. 4 days before Christmas, Noelle and Silas’s father still hasn’t found the perfect star. You jus have to read this book to find out if they find it. But I know you will enjoy every page of this book finding out the answer. Be sure to have some tissues handy.
Beautiful Christmas story…Heartwarming ,easy, warm, Christmas read. Set on Florida’s West Coast a sweet, holiday love story
I have enjoyed every book I have read by this author. This one did not disappoint. This book is about overcoming disappointment and grief. We find that it is sometimes easier to overcome our own problems when we decide to help someone else overcome theirs. I love Noelle and the special relationships she has with Silas and the ladies at the Assisted-Living Community. We should all be so lucky to have a job where folks love you so much. Course, if I needed a nurse, I hope I get one as caring as Noelle. I do love a good Christmas story and I think you’ll enjoy this one too. I would love to hang out with these good folks again and see where life takes them.
When the ladies of the New Life Assisted Living in Boston find a seaside cottage for Noelle North to rent for a well deserved vacation, I don’t think they had any idea of what would happen. This Christmas story is filled with many themes including single parenting, elder abuse, work-a-holic people, family angst right before the holidays, and children dealing with loss.
Noelle befriends Silas and his dog Duke while running along the Emerald Coast of Florida near the cottage she rented.
From there, she uncovers elder abuse of Silas’ great-grandmother, meets his work-a-holic father and uncle, and becomes unwillingly intertwined in their stories.
Silas’ grandparents disappeared in a plane crash and are presumed dead. His mother died inexplicably and suddenly when he was younger. Jake, his father, and Brett, his uncle, struggle to run the family businesses in an uncertain situation.
This is a heartwarming novella for the Christmas season or to keep the spirit going all year long.
Noelle needed to get away at Christmas. She was still hurting from being left at the alter. She decides to rent a beach house in Florida. She befriends a little boy and his dog on the beach. When she sees him again, she meets his great-grandmother. Noelle is an elder care nurse and she discovers that the great-grandmother is being abused by her caretaker. Noelle jumps into the situation by firing the aide and becomes embroiled in the family issues. This is such a nice, well written romance with two reluctant partners, who slowly discover love with each other. I heartily recommend this book.
Beautiful story that left me smiling!
A CHRISTMAS STAR is the first book in the Seashell Cottage series. Each is a stand-alone, sweet romance set at the picturesque cottage on the Florida Gulf Coast shore.
From the beginning, this is a heart-warming, life-affirming, and sweet story.
I loved the strength and humor of the seniors that Noelle nurses. Jake Bellingham’s little boy, Silas and their dog, Duke, are both precious enough to melt any heart. Then there is Jake himself. That man was made for Noelle. The family hasn’t had it easy lately, but it seems that the addition of Noelle in the family has everything turning around. We all need those days of seashells and candy canes at times.
I can’t tell you how happy I am that I read (listened to) this story, but I strongly suggest that you not be on the turnpike for the last chapter. Furthermore, I recommend that you have on hand a whole box of happy sappy Kleenex… and it will be worth it.
Narration: Angela Dawe is an amazing narrator and it was a blessing to listen to her for the last couple of days as I commuted to and from work. Some people have that one perfect kiss that they compare all others against, this will be my one perfect narration.
Note: While I received this book as a gifted audiobook copy, my opinions are my own and are given freely.
Title: A CHRISTMAS STAR
Series: Seashell Cottage #1
Category /Genre: Contemporary Romance
Recommended for: 18+ due to sexual content
Listenability: OK for ears
Received from: Wild Quail Publishing (as an Audible gifted copy)
This was a spectacular story about how you can find love, when you’re least expecting it. I loved how Noelle stepped up to right the wrong of Althea being abused by her nurse. Silas, great-grandson of Althea is absolutely adorable. The dad, Jake, and the uncle, Brett, of Silas are totally shocked that their Gran was being abused. Grab your copy and get ready to fall in love with these wonderful characters. If you enjoy a book with a Christmas setting, you will not be disappointed.
Meh.