Review of The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley: A Festive and Heartwarming Christmas Novel

Set in a charming Cape Cod inn, The Christmas Inn follows Riley Sanders as she navigates family, romance, and personal growth over a magical Christmas holiday.

Acknowledgements:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and Netgalley for the ARC’s of the book and audiobook. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

Summary:

Riley Sanders returns to her family’s inn on Cape Cod after losing her job just before the holidays, hoping to help her injured mother and find some peace. As Christmas approaches, Riley is enveloped in the warmth of family, festive traditions, and the charm of the small-town inn. She reconnects with Aidan, her high school sweetheart, who is now a widower with a young son. Amidst falling snow and cozy fires, Riley finds herself drawn into a heartwarming second chance at love and the healing power of community, all while embracing the magic of the season.

My Thoughts:

If you’re craving a heartwarming, feel-good story set against the backdrop of a Cape Cod Christmas, The Christmas Inn by Pamela Kelley is the perfect choice. As comforting as a cozy blanket and hot cocoa on a cold day, this book is a delightful blend of personal growth, second-chance romance, and the magic of the holidays.

The story follows Riley Sanders, who unexpectedly finds herself without a job just before Christmas. When she learns that her mom has broken her leg, she decides to head home to Cape Cod to help out with the family inn. The inn is charmingly set along the shores, and Riley hopes the change of scenery—and her family—will provide a much-needed distraction from her troubles.

Little does she know, her mother’s inn isn’t faring as well as expected, especially with the holiday rush approaching. The guest list is shorter than anticipated, but among the handful staying at the inn are some key characters—Aidan, Riley’s high school sweetheart, and his son Luke, who are temporarily living at the inn while their home undergoes renovations. There’s also Franny, who is grieving the loss of her sister and carrying four unopened letters meant to help guide her through a new chapter in life.

Kelley does a fantastic job of capturing all the cozy, festive vibes of Christmas on Cape Cod. From the crackling fires to the festive cookies, the setting alone makes you want to book a holiday escape. While the storyline is predictable in the best kind of way, I found myself enjoying every moment of it.

I particularly loved how Franny’s journey paralleled Riley’s in its own quiet way. Franny’s inner conflict between returning to her life in Manhattan or staying in Cape Cod felt authentic and meaningful. It’s a story of growth, love, and finding what matters most. The romantic subplots, especially between Riley and Aidan, are sweet and believable—they add to the holiday magic without feeling forced.

I also enjoyed all the holiday activities described at the inn and in the community. The festivities added to the cozy, nostalgic feeling and gave me all the holiday feels, even though I was reading this in September!

The Narration:

I listened to the audiobook version narrated by Stephanie Németh-Parker, whose performance was absolutely lovely. Her voice had a gentle, comforting tone, and she did a wonderful job giving each character a distinct voice, making the whole experience feel like I was wrapped in a warm blanket.

Final Thoughts:

The Christmas Inn is a heartwarming read that’s sure to lift your spirits, whether you’re in the mood for holiday cheer or just looking for a feel-good escape.

Other Books I’ve Reviewed Written by Pamela Kelley:

Nantucket White Christmas

The Restaurant

The Seaside Sisters