A Ferry Merry Christmas By: Debbie Macomber

 

"Family is the ultimate source of strength.  Together, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.' (Graciousquotes.com)

Christmas is my absolute favorite time of year, and I have many cherished traditions with my husband and kids.  From decorating the tree, picking out that special ornament, to our family Christmas pj's - we have a many special things we look forward to (and don't forget those once a year favorite foods and goodies).  For me, personally, in addition to the fun family moments I look forward to binge watching Hallmark Christmas movies, and reading all the new Christmas romance - and Debbie Macomber's newest Christmas novella is always at the top of my list.  

Oh the hustle and bustle of the most wonderful time of year!  The cherished family recipes, the holiday parties and get togethers, and that all important visit to Saint Nick.   In A Ferry Merry Christmas, with just days before Christmas, passengers embark on a ferry in Puget Sound heading toward Seattle, all with important places to be and friends and family to see.   Excitement and nerves run high, as holiday travelers anxiously await their arrival to Seattle.

Young Olivia eagerly hops on boards, wanting to tell Santa her biggest holiday wish.  While her mom Beth is trying desperately to hold it all together, who do they run into but Logan, Olivia's dad and Beth's estranged husband.  Will Olivia's wish become a reality?  Elderly Victoria has been estranged from her twin sister Veronica over their late mother's China.  Will a special tin of  their mom's famous gingerbread cookies bridge the gap?  Then we meet young and stressed out James, whose wife is in the early stages of labor with their first baby.  Will he make it on time, or will she be forced to deliver their bundle of joy all alone in a strange new city?

Central to the story are Avery (an accountant) and navy man Harrison.  They are both on the ferry to spend Christmas with their respective siblings.  Avery and her brother Reed are facing their first Christmas without their beloved grandmother.  Harrison is eager to see his sister Kellie, and enjoy some leave away from the navy.  Avery and Harrison spot each other upon boarding.  While there is mutual acknowledgement of the other, Avery has vowed to never date another man in uniform, especially a sailor.

Well someone (could it be Avery's deceased grandmother?) has other ideas.  Their ferry stalls in the middle of the waterways.  As tempers run high, people realize they are not going to make it to Seattle any time soon.  Will it be too late for Victoria and Veronica?  Will Logan and Beth be able to realize that that they belong together and their family is the most important thing?  Will Harrison and Avery realize they do have a future together?  With stress and tempers running high,  the passengers come together thanks in part to a very special tin of gingerbread cookies and the imminent birth of James' baby.   Everyone is brought together in delightful, yet unexpected ways.  And on shore; a chance encounter between Reed and Kellie while waiting for the ferry brings an unexpected twist to their stories as well.  Time, and a dose of that all important Christmas magic touch the lives of these delightful, and relatable characters in Macomber's trademark storytelling.

If you have loved Mrs. Miracle, and other heartwarming classics from Debbie Macomber, you will not want to miss A Ferry Merry Christmas!  Cozy up with that special blanket, that all important Christmas candle in the background (Bath and Body Works Spiced Gingerbread would be the perfect companion to this delightful story).  Don't forget the all important Christmas cookies.  You will treasure this heartwarming novella - which Simba says is definitely 4 paw worthy.  Happy Reading!

A special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher Ballantine books for this advanced readers copy to read and review.  You will be able to purchase this book on October 21, 2025. 

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