An O'Brien Family Christmas

The latest Chesapeake Shores family drama (An O’Brien Family Christmas) is a charming tale. Part of the story is to observe what has happened to former lead protagonists and Nell's second chance romance. However, the main story line is the relationship between the older Laila and Matthew whose plan is to prove to his beloved they can have more than just a great physical relationship.

All her life Leila has felt she didn’t meet her father's expectations. Her affair with the much younger Matthew, regarded as a player by many including her father, cost her the career she wanted so badly. Resenting her loss, she breaks up with Matthew and takes an unfulfilling job as an accountant.

Matthew, however, is deeply in love with Leila and determined to get her to Ireland for the O'Brien family Christmas. He has planned to propose in Dublin, now he rethinks his plan, this time determined to let their relationship proceed at a slow pace, something that, at times, is frustrating to both himself and Leila who is desperately trying to convince herself that they're not suited for each other.

In this charming Christmas tale Sherryl Woods brings out the irrepressible O'Briens. I enjoyed every minute of the story with its warmth and the humor as only Sherryl Woods can provide. Strong writing and likable characters is a keynote of the Chesapeake Shores series, and An O'Brien Family Christmas is one of my favorites.

-K.R.