Santa Overboard: A Potomac Shores Holiday by Carolyn McBride, narrated by Maria Marquis, offers a unique take on the holiday romance genre. The story follows Katie, a 50-something thrice-divorced mother of a college student, as she navigates her new life in a charming riverfront town. While the premise of a "coming of middle age" romance is refreshing, the execution falls short of expectations.

As a regular romance reader, I found myself struggling to connect with the group of older women at the center of the story. The generational gap between myself, a 30-something, and the characters became apparent, making it challenging to fully immerse in their world. Additionally, the occasional religious undertones felt out of place and uncomfortable for someone not raised in a religious environment.

Despite giving it multiple chances during my holiday travels, I reluctantly abandoned the audiobook halfway through. While the mature protagonist initially intrigued me, the lack of relatable moments and the disconnect from what I expected in a seasonal rom-com left me unsatisfied.
Overall Rating: 2/5 stars (DNF at 48%)

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The book is a cute holiday story, featuring a 50+ year FMC finding love again after failed marriages and her kids "leaving the nest". In my opinion, it's nothing revolutionary but it takes you back to the town if you liked book 1 and you see the characters grow and change. I will say though, specifically the narrator was really good! Her tone shifted with each character and she put on quite the performance! I'd love to hear her narrate other stories.

2.5 ⭐️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the audio-ARC.

I didn’t realise this was a sequel and was expecting a seasonal rom com type deal.

So when at the start of the book we already have our love interest I was a bit confused and when he remained the love interest even more so. But this being the second book in a series makes it make more sense…

Despite my mistake having not read the first book I found the FMC a bit cringey and she didn’t really act like the 50 something she’s described as. Although kudos for not having a 19 year old skinny girl as the MC.

This is like a hallmark movie. It’s cosy, it’s cutesy, it’s cringey and predictable.

I couldn’t relate to the MC (why are we having a tantrum about our boyfriend/not boyfriend going away for work for 6 weeks?)

I probably would’ve DNFd if this was longer or if I wasn’t able to do it in one sitting as it doesn’t didn’t grip me, nothing really happened and the thing that did eventually happen had me rolling my eyes.

The overall message was cute but this didn’t hit the spot for me sadly.

Narrator did a fabulous job!

This audio novella was a good length for the busy holidays when time is limited. While I enjoyed seeing older characters represented, as well as real life issues, the repetition of Covid dampened my enjoyment of the book. It felt like it was every chapter, sometimes multiple times in a single chapter.

The premise was cute and the characters were enjoyable, but it didn’t give me that cozy holiday feeling I like in a holiday read. The narrator was excellent though!

This was my first experience with the author & I might give her another try, but I’ll definitely listen to the narrator in the future.

This was such a cute listen! The narrator did a excellent job of portraying the characters. Katie and deke's story was such wholesome and sweet story about love later in life. It's so inspiring! All in all this one was am easy 5 star listen for me. Thank you for letting me listen and review.

Santa Overboard was a fun, cozy mystery. It follows a 3 time divorced woman in her 50s trying to follow her dreams and find her path.
I would recommend it to those in their 40s+, I think that audience would get the most out of it.

A fun “coming of middle age,” to borrow a phrase from the book. It’s nice to hear from women characters coming into a new life. This was a refreshing read with its immediate post-Covid timing—the perfect opportunity for mostly single (again) women to search for their new/next selves. I loved the occasional open comment about menopause, a topic fiction mostly seems to leave unmentioned. Romance, hope, creativity, and boating — and the winter holidays — make for plenty of tension and humor.

Thank you NetGalley for this audiobook!

Honestly if this was any longer I would have DNF'd and I was tempted to do so anyways. The main character is insufferable and if you took her kid and three previous marriages out of the equation, she could easily be a YA character with the way she behaves. Pitching a fit bc your new boyfriend is gone for 6 weeks on a work trip?? Be so serious right now. Also being dramatic about her brother not flying back from India for Christmas in the middle of covid?? Grow up truly.

This was a sequel which I'd not realized initially so maybe that's why I was lost with some of the characters but it felt more like an overlong epilogue with all the side notes about various characters and events. I was looking forward to a holiday romance with a bit of intrigue and this gave me nothing unfortunately.

“Santa Overboard: A Potomac Shores Holiday by Carolyn McBride and wonderfully narrated by Maria Marquis is a sweet, wholesome holiday romance that is sure to put a smile on some people’s faces. Unfortunately, it really wasn’t my cup of tea, but I have a feeling that might be just the mood I was in when I listened to it. I have a feeling others will love it, so I recommend giving it a try.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for receiving an ARC of this audiobook. My opinions are my own.

This is a sweet, lighthearted holiday romance that offers just enough warmth to thaw your icy resting bitch face. The novella has a cozy charm that can make for a pleasant read when you're in the mood for something tame.

In terms of writing, Carolyne McBride's style is accessible and soothing. While the narrative doesn’t venture into any deep or complex territory, it’s a pleasant way to unwind. The dialogue flows smoothly, and the holiday-themed details add a layer of warmth that will appeal to readers craving the magic of Christmas. The audiobook narrator, Maria Marquis, does a lovely job.

If you’re looking for something gentle and festive to fill a quiet afternoon, "Santa Overboard" offers a sweet, low-key escape into the world of holiday love.

I really enjoyed this one. I love that the characters are my age and are dealing with similar life chapters. I enjoyed the added history scattered throughout and the descriptions of this area of Virginia. My only critique would be I don’t feel that the cover matched the book. The book has a bit more drama and the characters in the cover look to be way younger than the actual characters.

First of all, I absolutely loved the narrator! She did such a fantastic job and I especially loved her Scottish accent/impersonating. Very well done and I look forward to listening to more from Marquis.

I thought this was going to be a light amd fun read but it was as more of a serious read. I did enjoy the writing but I ultimately DNF'D at 40% because I was tired of hearing about Covid as there were many mentions and references to the pandemic. If the covid troupe doesn't bother you, I would definitely recommend this short novella. It just wasn't for me.

Thank you NetGalley, and Make Waves Press for the opportunity to listen and review this advanced copy.

3.5

Katie Young is settling into her new life in the picturesque town of Potomac Shores, surrounded by her supportive friends, the Beach Bonfire Babes, and enjoying a blossoming romance. This Christmas, Katie is tasked with leading the town’s Christmas boat parade and ferrying Santa himself. But when things don’t go as planned, Katie’s crew rallies together with holiday cheer, a sprinkle of humor, and plenty of festive treats to turn the season around. This cozy holiday tale celebrates second chances, friendship, and the charm of riverside living, with recipes and laughter included.

My Thoughts:

The romance is sweet and fade-to-black, which suits the mature theme of finding love later in life. I really enjoyed the dynamic between the friend group—their camaraderie and joint projects added a heartwarming touch. Maria Marquis’ narration brought the story to life, making it even more enjoyable. The COVID references transported me back to those times, adding a layer of nostalgia. While the story was cozy and lighthearted, I felt it skimmed over deeper topics and emotions, leaving me wanting a bit more. It seemed like the author had big ideas but was constrained by word count. That said, I appreciated the giggles and feel-good moments throughout!

Thank you, NetGalley and Make Waves Press, for the audio ARC! #SantaOverboard #NetGalley

This book is perfect if you're looking for a short story for the holiday season with characters navigating through a small town, friendships, and romance.
I thought throughout the book there was some unnecessary small miscommunication, however the romance was wholesome. Along with the pacing, it started to get a little slow throughout. I also didn't expect our mc’s to be around their 50's, so that was interesting...

This was a short and sweet holiday romance/women’s fiction following Katie, a 50 something 3x divorcé and mom to a college student, navigating a new relationship, changing friendships, and life in general coming right out of the covid pandemic. While cute and meaningful, I didn’t feel super emotionally invested in the story or our characters. This is probably just because I as a 20 something found it hard to relate to a group of older women, even though a lot of their sentiments of finding themselves again and following their dreams should really connect with any one. I found it to be a bit cheesy myself, but maybe I am just a grinch!! I’d still recommend for an easy and silly holiday read!

This is also part of a series, so you may find more connection with the characters if you follow the books in order. I read this on it’s own, which is doable but perhaps I would have had better context if I had started at the beginning.

I struggled with this one. This came onto my radar when I received an ARC from NetGalley. I was expecting a fun holiday romance but did not find this particularly fun or romantic. The plot felt very sparse and I had a hard time following where the book was going. I didn’t connect to the characters. It’s rare that I give a book 2 stars, but when I dreaded picking it up I knew this was not the book for me. Narration was fine.

Absolutely hilarious holiday vibes! I loved the character dynamics and the setting made for such a fun read!

2.5⭐️, 2🌶️

I sense that I should have read the first novella of the series because the characters and relationships were referenced but nothing connected for me. Then it being labeled under romance was very unlikely to me. The relationship just didn’t connect for me and how our FMC became the “troubling” person in the relationship gave me the ick. And was the relationship over when Santa happened? Very confused…

Also, this book highlyyyyyy romanticizes the Ocoquan area of Virginia and as a girl that’s lived 30 minutes from that area, I IS NOT. so all that cute stuff just had me rolling my eyes 🙃

Only thing I enjoyed about this book? Maria Marquis voice is sooo soothing

Thank you NetGalley and Make Waves Press for an audio copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Santa Overboard by Carolyn McBride

adventurous hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0

If you’re looking for a not too gushy Christmas romance this book is for you.
This books is about mid-life romances & the friends that see you through it all.
I enjoyed reading about an older heroine who despite our age difference- she was still chasing her dreams , figuring out love and hanging with friends. These ladies are juggling this all , starting business that they care about and being mothers to college aged children.

This Christmas read is quick and easy to listen to. This novella is narrated by Maria Marquis and I thought her pacing and narration effectively told the story.

While this book is the 2nd book in a series it can be read as a standalone.

Tropes: Small-Town romance; grumpy x grumpy , forced proximity due to injury, learning to love again, second-chance at a forever love.

I initially picked this up for a short, sweet holiday read while I'm out about my day but I just found it difficult to engage with anything happening.

I do like that it centered characters in their 50s and gives the message that one can find love and happiness at any age.