Hi everyone! What could be more fun than four women embarking on a singles cruise at Christmas? Santa Cruise by Fern Michaels is an entertaining holiday read that brings the reader on a journey to the Caribbean. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
From The Publisher:
At Ridgewood High, Amy, Frankie, Rachael, and Nina formed a deep bond. Now, fifteen years after leaving school behind, they’re back for a reunion, laughing, reminiscing, and chatting how much has changed—and how much hasn’t. Nina, once the star of every school play, moved to Hollywood and landed a recurring role on a sitcom. Amy, fondly known as “the brains of the operation,” is now a Silicon Valley bioengineer. Outgoing and compassionate, Frankie works for a New York publishing house. Rachael, always the most boy-crazy of the crew, married—mostly to please her parents—but is now divorced. All four are strong, successful, and somehow, still looking for the right partner. But Frankie has an idea to help solve that: a singles cruise for the holidays. In late December, Amy, Rachael, Frankie, and Nina gather in Miami, ready to board their state-of-the-art cruise ship. The entertainment options are endless, the food is to die for, and the passenger list includes hundreds of eligible men. The highlight of the week will be a magnificent New Year’s Eve celebration with multiple theme parties, dancing, and fireworks. The ladies are happy to give Cupid a helping hand here and there—hanging mistletoe in elevators and cheering each other on through speed-dating events and shore excursions. Holidays—like the path of love itself—don’t always go exactly as planned, but over the course of one festive, unforgettable week, all four will set sail on surprising new adventures.
Book Review:
I was highly entertained by this book. The author does a great job of developing the central characters making them likeable and relatable. The first third of the book is building the backstory for each of the characters before their cruise. The story picked up as the women embarked on this cruise of the Caribbean.
I appreciated that each of these women was intelligent, independent and successful. The group became quite well known on the cruise for their antics which brought up the entertainment factor for me as well. They all participate in a speed dating event early in the cruise which was fun to read about.
The descriptions of the activities on the ship and land were a real highlight. Having done a Caribbean cruise myself in the past, it was fun to recall some of the experiences I had which were similar to these women. If you’re looking for a holiday getaway story without leaving your home, I’d recommend Santa Cruise.
Audiobook Review:
I listened to the audiobook version of Santa Cruise which was narrated by Susan Bennett. Her performance was articulate and easy to listen to. I would not hesitate to recommend the audiobook to those that enjoy this format.
What I Liked:
- The highly likeable and relatable central characters
- The setting of cruising in the Caribbean.
- The entertaining antics these women get into while on the ship.
I Recommend This Book To:
Those readers who enjoy Women’s Fiction or Romance with several central characters.
My Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Add Santa Cruise to your Goodreads shelf
Acknowledgments:
Thank you to my local library for purchasing this audiobook.
Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:
Jingle All the Way by Debbie Macomber
One Charmed Christmas by Sheila Roberts
The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan
Thanks for reading and supporting this blog. Have you ever gone on vacation during the holidays? Let me know in the comments.
As always, I hope that you have a wonderful day.
Jenny in Neverland
I do love a women’s fiction with strong female characters. This sounds like a fun setting for a Christmas book x
thathappyreader
It really is a fun setting Jenny! Thanks for reading.
Molly Transatlantic Notes
This does sound really entertaining — especially with well developed characters! Thanks for the review!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Molly!
Charity
This sounds like a cute Christmas read. Thanks so much sharing! I will have to check it out!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Charity!
Wendy Williams
Nice review Jodie, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I didn’t care for it as much as you did, but maybe if I had listened to it on audiobook like you did, I would have enjoyed it more.
thathappyreader
I think I just connected to the story more Wendy, but you’re right it could have been the format.
Alicia from tastyeasyeats
Awesome review. I enjoy holiday themed books and this one sounds really fun and adventurous.
thathappyreader
Thanks Alicia! It really is a fun book.
Eleanor
I love fiction that focuses on women’s stories, although the romance has to be done well 🙂 thank you for sharing x
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Eleanor!
ellegracedeveson
Ooo wow this sounds absolutely amazing, very festive! Thank you so much for sharing another amazing review. Xo
Elle – ellegracedeveson.com
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading Elle!
Her Digital Coffee
I’ve been looking for new audiobook recommendations and Santa Cruise sounds great fit. Thanks for sharing Jodie!
thathappyreader
Thank you for reading!
Michelle Gast
This sounds like a fun book, especially this time of the year!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Michelle!
Raji
Great review! This sounds like an entertaining read!
thathappyreader
Thanks Raji! It was a great read!
Loren
I haven’t read Fern Michaels in a while (I read all her books my library had!), but will have to again since this book since like my cup of tea and since I’ve never been on a cruise ship and it sounds like fun! Thanks for sharing this holiday read!
thathappyreader
Thanks for reading Loren!
Lisa
This sounds like the perfect festive holiday read – a cruise set at Christmas, what more could you ask? Apart from some strong female characters too, of course. Fab review, as always, Jodie, and love the festive cover pic 🙂
thathappyreader
Thanks so much Lisa! I appreciate your kind words.