A bit slow and boring for me. Narrators voice was okay but far too much about fishing and boats. I couldn't get to the end.

Unfortunately found it very difficult to get into, the first few chapters felt very basic and not enough of a hook to capture your interest. The Covid storyline also felt very dated

This was okay. No real ups or downs, just like watching someone's middle aged life play out. I couldn't get into it.

Cute, sweet and short book. The audio narration by Maria Marquis was well done. Maria was able to use different pitches and inflections for each character, so it added to the variety of characters the author introduces. The story overall was a cute one- Divorcee Katie is trying to heal her broken heart and give the steadfast Deke a chance. Katie does seem a little too resistant for my taste but it was a part of character building. This book was recently released, yet it takes place in 2021, so the pandemic is extremely present. I understand writing for a timeline, but it seemed too soon to be immersed back into that world (for me). On a plus side, the author did capture how things were for many of us during that time and I appreciated hearing a lot of the local bars and geographical locations to the MD/VA area. Overall, great narration but the storyline was not for me.

A very quick read on account of how short it was, but also because there wasn't much to the plot. Katie, a three-time divorcee thinks she's finally found love with Deke, but as a professor, he takes a research trip to the Galapagos, which makes Katie think he's not as committed to their relationship since he's not willing to share the holidays with her. (Is this why she's been divorced three times? Because she's kind of manipulative?)

“Santa Overboard” is a short small-town contemporary romance which focuses on a wide range of characters during the Christmas season. I have very mixed feelings towards this book, unfortunately.

While some of the characters were somewhat enjoyable to read about, I didn’t feel any chemistry within the relationships or friendships, particularly between the FMC and MMC. Not only that, I felt their romantic relationship was kind of toxic in a couple ways which is really off-putting. Don’t get me wrong - they had a few cute scenes, and the ending was sweet, but it wasn’t enough to sway me.
There’s also a really dodgy scene towards the end which raised a lot of alarm bells for me but was romanticised within the book. I feel like informed consent is very necessary and this specific scene just made me feel very uncomfortable and completely caught me off-guard.

I enjoyed that the story focused around an older generation, talking briefly upon menopause, marriage and divorce, and the process of children growing up and moving on. I feel like it would have been nice if the book spent a little more time speaking on those, considering the tone of which the book is written.
There’s not much at all going on plot-wise, so characterisation is very important and I think those topics amplified my interest.

COVID-19 was referenced many, many times, which I hadn’t expected. I didn’t particularly mind it (beside it being slightly overbearing) but if you’re interested in reading this it is something to keep in mind.

I feel like there was supposed to be an element of humour which just really didn’t come across well, at least to me. I had expected a more light-hearted, whimsical read, which this did not supply.

The ARC I was provided was in audiobook format so I will touch on that as well:
The narration was pretty good and easy to follow! There was a note from the author added towards the end narrated by herself, which kind of threw me off as the message mostly consisted of asking her readers to give authors more charitable reviews?! I’m sure it wasn’t meant in a way which was snarky but It just kind of left me feeling slightly offput.

Overall, this book just wasn’t for me and I feel it could’ve been executed better. I don’t think I could wholeheartedly recommend this to anyone, sadly.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC.

i fear it was just alright. its a cute little christmas story to get you in the holiday spirit but not much more than that.

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride
⭐️⭐️⭐️

i was looking for christmas themed reads to read for the next couple months, so i was excited to receive this arc. it was a super short read, but overall was written. I wasn't the biggest fan of the FMC Katie, she seemed a little selfish and not interested in listening to what other people were saying, only what she assumed they were saying. The MMC is a scientist and doesn't get christmas off of work, and Katie is mad at him and treats him unfairly for him "choosing to not spend christmas with her" she he has communicated repeatedly over their relationship that he works on site over christmas. Eventually Katie does have a friend call her out for this behavior, which i was thinking FINALLY!! 😂 I think if then book had been longer they could have fleshed out Katie's insecurities about being alone on the holidays. I also didn't expect the book to take place in the midst of the pandemic and i'm not sure i loved that being included?

Overall this was a super fun quick holiday read and i think could make a fun Hallmark xmas movie !!


*I received an advanced copy of the audiobook from Make Waves Press through Netgalley in return for an honest review.*

I read the first Potomac Shores book; while cute enough, the ease at which the women fall into such deep, lasting friendships is a bit of a stretch--and another one happens in this story.

Additionally, there's a heavy emphasis on COVID/Post-COVID life in each book that makes the stories feel dated and a bit out of touch. I liked the Christmas elements, even if the story was pretty predictable.

Overall: 2 stars (It was ok)

**Thank you to NetGalley & Make Waves Press for the free ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.**

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride is a cozy, quick holiday read that left me with mixed feelings. 🥰 It's exactly what I needed to unwind from the usual drama and indulge in a lighthearted dose of holiday cheer! 🎄 Katie Young is living life in small-town Occoquan, preparing for a boat parade, and trying to make her new relationship with Deke work—if only he weren’t off in the Galapagos for the holidays! 🌴 The story is cute and relaxing, but it doesn’t dive deep into major conflicts or emotions. It's like a comfy, familiar blanket, but I couldn’t help feeling like something was missing. 🤷‍♀️

✧ Small Town Romance 💕
✧ Holiday Cheer 🎄
✧ Second Chance Romance 💘
✧ Friend Group Dynamics 👯‍♀️
✧ Lighthearted Fun 🥳
✧ Slow Burn Romance 🔥

Now, let's talk about what I loved! The friend group was the highlight! 💕 I absolutely adored their dynamic and how they rallied around each other through life’s ups and downs. Their bond felt so genuine, and it was fun seeing how they helped Katie handle her holiday stress. 😅 Also, the narration by Maria Marquis was top-notch! She really brought the characters to life, and I could easily tell who was speaking at any moment, which made the audiobook experience so much more enjoyable. 🎧

But, of course, there were a few bumps along the way. The romance and pacing, for instance, didn’t quite hit the mark. 🐢 Deke and Katie’s relationship lacked that sizzling chemistry—maybe because I didn’t read the first book—but there wasn’t enough to really pull me in. 💔 The central conflict felt weak too—Katie’s boat parade disaster and Deke’s absence were decent challenges, but they didn’t feel like high stakes or give me those big emotional moments I was craving. And then there were the pandemic references—while they made sense for the timeline, I wasn’t thrilled about how often COVID popped up. 😷 Some readers may feel the same, especially if they’re looking for an escape from pandemic talk in their fiction.

All in all, Santa Overboard is a sweet, easy story that’s perfect for a quick read, but it didn’t blow my mind. It could’ve benefited from a little more depth and substance. Still, I’ll definitely check out the rest of the series—I’m curious about how the characters develop! 🌟

Thanks so much to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for the audiobook ARC! 🎧✨

3.75 stars

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride is a delightful holiday rom-com set in the charming small town of Occoquan. The story follows Katie Young, a newly divorced, forty-something empty-nester who has found comfort and new beginnings in this tight-knit community. With the support of her best friends at their thriving gallery, a budding romance with the town’s resident scientist, and cherished holiday moments with her college-age daughter in their river house, Katie is ready to take on the festive season. Leading the boat parade and delivering Santa to the town dock on her new ferryboat promises to make this Christmas unforgettable.

This second book in the Potomac Shores series is a perfect follow-up to Cicada Springs. It offers readers an even deeper glimpse into Katie’s evolving life, capturing her newfound joy and resilience. In Santa Overboard, we see a playful, heartwarming side of the characters, and I found myself thoroughly entertained from start to finish. The book is brimming with humour and lighthearted moments that bring plenty of laugh-out-loud scenes. If you’re a fan of feel-good Christmas tales, this one will surely make you smile.

Maria Marquis does a fantastic job narrating, bringing the story to life with impeccable pacing and just the right touch of emotion. Her performance adds warmth and depth, making each character memorable and enhancing the overall charm of the book.

Overall, Santa Overboard is a delightful small-town holiday read featuring a mature main character, lovable cast members, and a picturesque coastal setting. Fans of Robin Carr’s Virgin River series and Sheryl Woods’ Sweet Magnolias will feel right at home.

Thank you to NetGalley and Make Waves Press for providing me with an audio-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A cute, later-in-life, almost Hallmark read following Katie Young, her Beach Bonfire Babes and Deke. There is a lot of heart and humor and lovable characters.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator had a wonderfully calm, yet expressive voice, perfect for this Christmas special.

*There is a lot of mention of Covid/Pandemic, so if this is a trigger or something you avoid, just keep that in mind.

Book 2 in the Potomac Shores series which I did not read the first as I was lead to believe it could also be a stand alone. This story focus a lot on the COVID/ post COVID storyline which I don't think will sit well with readers as many are happy to forget that time. I tried to give it the benefit of the doubt but found myself frustrated each time they brought COVID back into the story. I liked bond between the women friend group but finding a women stranded on the beach then becoming her best friend seems like a long shoot. I will not following up this read to read the first in the series.

This was cute but not really my style. I was able to finish this in an afternoon. I don’t think I will purse the series. Nothing was wrong but it was very vanilla for me.

3.25 stars rounded down

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride follows Katie as she gears up for a boat parade before the holidays and navigates her new relationship with Deke. Everything stars to unravel when her boat is no longer going to make it to the parade and Deke has decided to spend the holidays in the Galapagos Island. She must figure out what to do about the boat and her relationship before the holidays.

I thought this audiobook was cute. It did exactly what I wanted it to, distract me for a little bit and cheer me up. I thought the narrator was absolutely phenomenal! I think Maria Marquis does a great job at all the voices and really making you feel immersed in the story. Now talking about the contents of the book: my favorite part was the Beach Bonfire Babes, Katie's group of friends. I thought they were so fun! Unfortunately, I didn't really think Deke and Katie had a lot of chemistry. Maybe it was because I didn't read the first book, maybe their introduction is there but in this book it very much felt like I was placed mid story. I will check out the other books because I liked it enough for that but maybe I would recommend to read the first book before reading the second.

This book is available in KU.

Thank you to NetGalley, Make Waves Press | Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA), Members' Audiobooks, and Carolyn McBride for letting me listen to this ALC in exchange for an honest review.

I found this book to be adorable and charming. It got a little slow towards the end, but overall it was such a cozy feel good book. I like that the location wasn’t your typical winter wonderland and that the couple falling in love was older. I enjoy reading books about different perspectives and your non typical people falling in love.

Overall this was a 3.5/5 for me. Could have been a little spicier but I will be reading the others in this series. I appreciated the author truly bringing the characters to life.

Santa Overboard: A Potomac Shores Holiday by Carolyn McBride
Narrated by Maria Marquis
Women’s Fiction | 2nd in the Potomac Shores Series
3.5 Stars rounded up
My thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing an advance copy for review purposes. Ana’s Attic accepts no compensation for reviews, and all reviews contain my honest opinion. This post contains affiliate links.

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride is the second book in the Potomac Shores Series. While it can stand alone, it’s best enjoyed if you start with The Cicada Spring.

The series follows Katie, a single, empty-nest mom who’s had her share of bad luck with men and recently lost her mother to COVID. Returning to her hometown along the Potomac River, Katie finds support from her group of mature, diverse friends, “The Beach Bonfire Babes,” who are always there for each other. Katie’s romantic relationship with Deke, (which started in The Cicada Spring) however, feels stagnant due to her past experiences.

“How do I know all these amazing entrepreneurial women? Katie asked. "It’s not we Katie, it’s you. You brought us all together and tapped into our hidden talents.”

The story revolves around the boating culture, and in this holiday novella, Katie, working toward her Captain’s license, runs the town’s holiday boat parade—which doesn’t go quite as planned. The events occur during the height of the pandemic, likely Christmas 2020. While I appreciated the realistic references to COVID in The Cicada Spring, here, the pandemic is mentioned so often that it becomes distracting. Carolyn McBride’s writing reflects the intense focus on COVID that marked that time, but the frequent reminders dampen the lighter moments.

“Coming of Age isn’t just for young people. I feel like we’re starting over again but with experience.”

Likes:
•The Beach Bonfire Babes and their friendship scenes
•Katie’s daughter being home for the holidays
•A unique Christmas setting focused on boating
•Older characters
•Realistic relationships and interactions

Dislikes:
•The cover is adorable—but the story isn’t. I don’t mean it’s a bad story, it’s just not cutesy. And while there were some light and fun moments, it’s not a romcom, and this makes it look like one. The cover should coordinate with The Cicada Spring. This one doesn’t fit the tone of the book.
•If there was a little reminder here or there that it’s COVID, no problem. But it was mentioned SO MANY TIMES that you could have made a fun drinking game for every time she mentioned Covid or the pandemic.
•The plot is light and lacks major developments.

The Narration:
Maria Marquis’s mature voice suits the lead and her friends perfectly, but her narration may have emphasized the emotional aspects more than the humor in the story.

The Down & Dirty:
If you read The Cicada Spring by Carolyn McBride I think you’ll really enjoy Santa Overboard. If you are looking for a later-in-life romance, this leans to Women’s Fiction more than romance, but we do get some romance. I wish I saw more storylines revolving around her friends or her romance and way less mentions of Covid.

Rating: 3.5 Stars, 4 Narration

This was a cute short story set around holiday time of Thanksgiving and Christmas. I did enjoy that the main characters where older. I loved the friendship connection that she has with the Beach Bonfire Babes, a group of women all starting over in life. I just loved how Deke is kinda shy and using index cards to get his thoughts out on paper.

I read this story as a standalone. I did not read the first book, but will be reading it soon.

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride.

This is the second book in the Potomac Shores series but you can quite easily read it as a standalone.

Thank you to NetGalley for my audio of this book.

You don’t normally associate spiders and cobwebs with Christmas but according to Ukrainian folklore finding a spider or spiderweb on your Christmas tree is considered good luck. According to legend a poor widow didn’t have any money to buy gifts for her children. That evening a spider spun cobwebs over a tree and the next morning it glistened in the morning sun and they were blessed with riches.
In the story the author mentions seeing spider webs a few times in the book.

Fifty something thrice divorced Katie has recently moved to the small town situated on the Potomac River and she has found a group of friends which call themselves the Beach Bonfire Babes. In this story we follow Katie and her blossoming romance with Deke, until her tells her he won’t be around for Christmas.

Katie has also been asked to lead the boat parade and usher Santa to the town dock with all sorts of mayhem ensuing.

This was a sweet story to get you in the Christmas spirit.

Santa Overboard was a good and quick novella that will put the reader in the mood for Christmas. I appreciated that this story centered around characters who were more mature but still showed that relationship issues exist at any age. The Christmas season on the Potomac was a great backdrop for this story. Overall, I enjoyed learning about the characters, and it was a fun and enjoyable novella with a happy ending. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to Maria Marquis narrate the book, she brought the characters to life with a variety of accents. Thank you, Make Waves Press, and NetGalley for this ALC. All opinions are my own.